ICC reshapes World Cup formats to maximise lucrative India-Pakistan clashes
Cricket's governing body has overhauled the 2027 and 2028 World Cup formats to guarantee higher broadcast revenues by increasing the probability of lucrative India-Pakistan matches, while dealing a blow to Scotland's commercial prospects.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has approved new structures for its men's 50-over and T20 World Cup tournaments, following board meetings in Edinburgh. The changes, effective for the 2027 and 2028 editions, are officially intended to elevate "competitiveness and consequence." In practice, the restructuring is a calculated move to protect the sport's most valuable commercial asset.
Under the new 50-over format for the 2027 tournament in South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe, 14 teams will enter. However, the three lowest-ranked sides must first compete in a 'Super Series' for a single spot in the 12-team group phase. The top seven teams will then advance to a round-robin 'Super 7' stage before the semi-finals. Expanding this round-robin to seven teams mathematically increases the prospects of an extra match between India and Pakistan, which the ICC recognises as "by far the most lucrative fixture the sport has to offer."
The two rival boards refuse to play each other in bilateral contests, making World Cups the sole guaranteed avenue for this fixture. Securing additional India-Pakistan matches is critical for the ICC's central revenues, directly impacting the broadcast rights valuations for European and global media partners like Sky Sports. More high-stakes matches between these cricketing giants translate directly to higher advertising rates and sponsor visibility.
Similar commercial logic applies to the 2028 T20 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. The second stage will expand from eight to 10 teams, renamed the 'Super 10', ensuring greater representation from emerging nations. The ICC will also introduce 'Eliminator' matches, forcing second and third-placed teams to compete for semi-final spots to maintain viewing figures in the closing group games.
The overhaul carries direct consequences for European cricket's economy. Scotland, the only European team at the 2026 edition, has been told it must compete in the European qualifying tournament. Missing out on automatic qualification denies the Scottish cricket board its share of guaranteed World Cup broadcasting revenues. However, the ICC has recommended a new 'marquee' event specifically for associate nations, pending final approval in November, which could offer a separate commercial lifeline.
