The International Cricket Council (ICC) has overhauled the format for the 2028 Men’s T20 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, replacing the Super 8s with an expanded Super 10 stage and introducing IPL-style crossover Eliminator matches before the semi-finals. While the tournament retains its 20-team field and 55-match limit, the path to the trophy has been re-engineered to prevent early exits for marquee teams and create knockout drama.

Phase 1: The Group Stage (30 Matches):

  • The initial stage will move from four groups of five teams to five groups of four teams.

  • Each team will play 3 group matches (down from 4).

  • Total group matches will drop from 40 to 30, shortening the first phase.

  • The top 2 teams from each of the 5 groups will advance, filling the 10 spots for the next round.

Phase 2: The Super 10 Stage (20 Matches):

  • Replacing the Super 8s, the second stage will expand, to guarantee more high-profile matches.

  • The Setup: The 10 advancing teams will be divided into two groups of five (Group A and Group B).

  • The Matches: Every team will play 4 round-robin matches within their group. Total matches in this stage will increase from 12 to 20.

  • Direct Qualification: The table-toppers (1st place) from Group A and Group B will earn a direct ticket to the semi-finals.

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Phase 3: The Crossover Eliminators (2 Matches):

Unlike previous editions where the top two teams from the second round moved directly to the semi-finals, the 2nd and 3rd placed teams will now battle through sudden-death playoff matches.

Eliminator 1: 2nd Place in Group A vs. 3rd Place in Group B.

Eliminator 2: 2nd Place in Group B vs. 3rd Place in Group A.

The winners of these two sudden-death matches will claim the final two remaining spots in the semi-finals.

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Phase 4: Semi-Finals & Final (3 Matches):

The tournament will wrap up using the traditional knockout setup:

  • Semi-Final 1: Winner of Super 10 Group A vs. Winner of Eliminator 2.

  • Semi-Final 2: Winner of Super 10 Group B vs. Winner of Eliminator 1.

  • Final: The two semi-final winners face off to crown the T20 World Cup Champion.