ICC Faces Backlash Over Controversial ODI World Cup Format Change

The World Cricketers’ Association (WCA) has expressed concern over changes to the format of next year’s men’s ODI World Cup, saying the decision was made without consulting the players who will be directly affected.

The 50-over tournament, which will be jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, will remain a 14-team competition.

However, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced that the three lowest-ranked qualified teams will now compete in a separate “Super Series” round.

Only one of those three teams will advance to the main group stage. The ICC said the revised structure would ensure a “meaningful contest.”

WCA Chief Executive Tom Moffat acknowledged that the ICC has the authority to decide the structure of its global tournaments. However, he argued that major changes should be made through proper consultation and with greater transparency.

Moffat said countries and players had invested years in pursuing qualification under an already established pathway. He added that significant changes to those opportunities required a clear explanation.

“It is difficult to reconcile the game’s stated ambition of growing cricket globally with decisions that reduce meaningful opportunities at pinnacle events,” he said.

The WCA said the decision also raised important questions about transparency and the treatment of smaller cricketing nations.

Netherlands captain Scott Edwards said qualifying for an ODI World Cup was a major achievement and expressed disappointment that the nature of that opportunity had changed after years of planning.

He said such decisions made it more difficult for associate nations to compete against the strongest teams in international cricket.

Ireland captain Paul Stirling also defended the role of smaller and associate countries at major tournaments.

“The smaller and associate countries have consistently proven to add value and interest at global events,” Stirling said.

He pointed to football’s World Cup as an example of how major tournaments can grow by giving more countries opportunities to compete on the biggest stage.