The upcoming edition will feature 20 teams India, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, South Africa, the United States, the West Indies, Ireland, New Zealand, Pakistan, Canada, Italy, the Netherlands, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Nepal, Oman, and the UAE.
T20 World Cup Expands to 20 Teams
Having twenty nations compete in a cricket World Cup is a major milestone. With each passing year, the T20 World Cup feels more inclusive and exciting, while the ODI format struggles to keep pace due to its limited lineup of teams.
ODI World Cup Becoming Too Exclusive
The ODI World Cup, often seen as cricket’s ultimate competition, now resembles an exclusive club. Only a few established nations get a chance to play, leaving many others on the sidelines. The 2023 World Cup clearly reflected this imbalance.
Why ODI Format Needs Change
Just ten teams took part in the 2023 ODI World Cup, with the Netherlands being the only emerging side. For a sport that aims to grow globally, such exclusivity sends the wrong message. The ICC needs to rethink its structure to make cricket more inclusive.
ICC’s Role in Promoting Global Cricket
The immediate need is for the ICC to welcome more nations, especially those with smaller cricket communities. The length of the tournament should not stop expansion. If the 2027 ODI World Cup adopts this approach, cricket can truly move closer to becoming a global sport.
