Scotland and Netherlands raise concerns over ICC’s changes to ODI WC format

CHENNAI: Scotland and Netherlands cricket boards have expressed their disappointment over the International Cricket Council making changes to the 2027 Men’s Cricket World Cup format less than 18 months before the tournament begins.

“These changes represent a setback to Associate Member cricket and risk undermining the progress made in recent years to grow the global game. At a time when cricket is seeking to expand its reach, attract new audiences and strengthen its position on the international sporting landscape, reducing meaningful opportunities for emerging nations sends entirely the wrong message,” the joint statement read.

This statement comes weeks after the ICC introducing a Super Series format where the last three qualifying teams will play against each other with one of them advancing to the main part of the tournament featuring 12 teams.

With the top eight teams along with two co-hosts confirming their direct qualifying nations, the focus now shifts to the World Cup qualifier to be held early next year in South Africa and Namibia. Both Scotland and Netherlands will fight with United States, West Indies and Ireland along with five other nations to qualify for the Super Series format.

Cricket Scotland and KNCB stated that they remain committed to working with ICC and other members, but raised concerns over the impact of the changes in the format. “We have significant concerns about both the impact of these changes and the process through which they have been introduced. The changes risk weakening the integrity and credibility of international cricket, and only highlights the importance of strong governance, transparent decision-making and effective engagement with Members,” the statement read.

“Decisions of this significance, particularly those directly affecting Associate Members, should be made clearly following meaningful consultation and with sufficient notice for affected Members to understand and respond to the implications. The timing of these changes, with less than eighteen months until the tournament, has given affected Members limited opportunity to contribute to the process or adapt. We believe greater engagement with Associate Members would have supported a more effective and collaborative approach and help maintain confidence in the qualification pathway,” it added.