7:caption
In a recent development, it is now being reported that the Cricket ODI World Cup could in fact see as many as 14 teams under major plans to reform the marquee event and help towards the globalisation of the sport. Notably, the number of teams participating in the event were reduced to 10 for the 2019 edition of the tournament and is expected to remain a 10-team affair at least for the next World Cup in 2023. However, recent reports suggest that from the 2027 edition onwards there will be more teams that will compete against top world sides.
20 teams in T20 World Cup
Although as many as 14 teams are being considered from 2027, the exact number will be debated at a chief executive's meeting scheduled to be held later in the month. The Committee meeting is also set to discuss the global calendar for the 2023-31 cycle. Among other reforms the number of matches in the ODI Super League could also increase. Meanwhile, the number of teams participating in the T20 World Cup can also seen an increase with as many as 20 teams expected to battle it out in coming years.
Global standard of game has improved
The increasing support for more number of teams in the World Cup is based on the notion that the global standard of the game has now improved. Therefore, a more inclusive event is the need of the hour to help garner more interest in the sport around the world. Moreover, there are now 12-full time members of the International Cricket Council (ICC) implying two will have to miss out for ever 10-team event.
16 teams had taken part in 2007 ODI Word Cup
Earlier, there were 16 teams which took part in the 2007 World Cup. However, the teams were then reduced to 14 in 2011 and 2015 and later to 10 in 2019. The reduction in the number of teams were mainly owing to the commercial reasons as teams with massive following- India and Pakistan- knocked out of the competition in its first stage, severely impacting the finances of the broadcasters.