ICC Revamps ODI and T20 World Cup Formats: Super 7 and Super 10 Set to Change International Cricket

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has proposed major structural changes for its flagship tournaments, introducing a new format for the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup and the 2028 ICC T20 World Cup. The decisions were discussed during the ICC Annual Conference in Edinburgh and are aimed at making global tournaments more competitive while offering emerging teams greater opportunities.

If approved in the final round of discussions later this year, fans can expect entirely new tournament structures featuring Super 7 in the ODI World Cup and Super 10 in the T20 World Cup.

2027 ODI World Cup to Feature New Super 7 Stage

The 2027 ICC Men's ODI World Cup, scheduled to be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, is expected to include 14 participating teams, expanding from the 10-team format used in the previous edition.

Instead of the earlier competition structure, the tournament is proposed to be divided into three distinct phases before the knockout rounds.

Phase 1: Qualification Series

The teams that qualify in the final three positions (12th to 14th) will compete in an opening qualification stage. Only the top-performing side from this round will advance to the next phase.

Phase 2: Group Stage

The second phase will consist of two groups, where the qualified teams compete for places in the next round.

Phase 3: Super 7

Replacing the previously discussed Super 6 stage, the ICC has proposed a Super 7 format.

Under this system:

• The top three teams from each group will qualify.

• One additional best-performing team across the groups will also advance.

• These seven teams will battle for semifinal spots.

The top four teams from the Super 7 standings will progress directly to the semifinals.

Qualification Process for the 2027 ODI World Cup

The qualification system has also been revised.

• 10 teams are expected to qualify automatically.

• South Africa and Zimbabwe receive direct qualification as Full Member co-hosts.

• Namibia, despite co-hosting, will not receive automatic entry because it is an Associate Member.

• The remaining automatic places will be decided through the ICC ODI rankings.

• The final four spots will come through a Global Qualifier tournament.

2028 T20 World Cup to Introduce Super 10

The ICC has also proposed significant changes to the 2028 Men's T20 World Cup, which will be hosted by Australia and New Zealand.

The biggest change is replacing the familiar Super 8 stage with a larger Super 10 round.

According to the ICC, the proposal has been influenced by the improved performances of emerging cricket nations in recent global tournaments.

New Tournament Structure Explained

The proposed format includes:

• Five groups containing four teams each during the opening stage.

• The top two teams from every group will advance to the Super 10 phase.

This expansion is expected to provide more matches between leading international sides while rewarding consistent performances throughout the tournament.

Revised Route to the Semifinals

The qualification pathway for the knockout stage will also change.

Instead of the previous format where two teams from each Super 8 group advanced, the new proposal states:

• The group winner in each Super 10 group will qualify directly for the semifinals.

• Teams finishing second will compete in Eliminator matches against third-placed teams from other groups.

• Winners of the Eliminators will complete the semifinal lineup.

The new system is designed to increase competition by reducing the number of direct qualification spots.

Qualification Rules for the 2028 T20 World Cup

The ICC has also outlined changes to the qualification pathway.

Key points include:

• Teams that participate in the 2026 T20 World Cup but fail to secure automatic qualification will enter the Global Qualifier.

• Scotland has been granted direct entry into the European Regional Final under special qualifying provisions.

• Additional Global Qualifier places will be filled through regional competitions.

• Africa, Asia, and Europe will each receive two qualifying spots, while the Americas and East Asia-Pacific regions will receive one each.

The highest-performing teams from these qualification events will earn places in the 2028 tournament.

Final Approval Still Pending

Although the proposed formats have received support from the ICC's Development Committee and Chief Executives' Committee, they are not yet officially confirmed.

The proposals will undergo further examination by the ICC Finance and Commercial Affairs Committee before being placed before the ICC Board for final approval during meetings scheduled later this year.

If ratified, these changes will represent one of the most significant overhauls to ICC tournament structures in recent years, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape of international cricket by offering more opportunities to emerging teams while creating a longer and more engaging tournament experience for fans worldwide.