ICC approves new format for Men's Cricket World Cup 2027, introduces three-stage structure

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has approved a new format for the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027, introducing a three-stage structure aimed at making the tournament more competitive and ensuring more meaningful contests.

The decision was taken at the ICC Annual General Meeting in Edinburgh, where the ICC Board approved recommendations made by the Chief Executives' Committee on the formats of both the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027 and the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2028.

According to the ICC, the changes are intended to "create more meaningful contests, elevate competitive standards, strengthen the competitive structure of both events, and enhance the tournament experience for athletes and fans."

New format for 2027 World Cup

The 2027 edition, which will be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, will continue to feature 14 teams but will adopt a revamped three-stage competition format culminating in the knockout rounds.

In Round 1, the bottom three-ranked teams among the 14 qualified sides will compete in a round-robin Super Series. The winner of this stage will qualify for the next round.

Also Read: ICC revamps 2028 T20 World Cup with new Super 10, Eliminators format

Round 2 will feature 12 teams, split into two groups of six. Each group will play a round-robin league, accounting for 30 matches. The top three teams from each group, along with the next best-placed team across both groups, will progress to the next stage.

The tournament will then move into the Super 7 stage, where the seven qualifying teams will play another round-robin league comprising 21 matches. The top four teams at the end of this stage will advance to the semi-finals.

In the knockout stage, the team finishing first in the Super 7 standings will face the fourth-placed side, while the second and third-ranked teams will meet in the other semi-final. The winners will contest the final.

The ICC said the revised structure is designed to raise the quality of competition while providing teams with more high-stakes matches throughout the tournament.