Reports: ICC likely to implement the 2003 model with 14 participants and Super Six stage for 2027 World Cup

The International Cricket Council (ICC) was subjected to a lot of flak in 2019 for restricting the 2019 ODI World Cup to a 10-team competition, which resulted in many emerging nations not being able to participate in the championship. This was done to ensure that India gets at least nine matches in the World Cup. Having more matches of Team India is beneficial for the broadcasters as the team fetches a lot of attention and viewership. 

However, after many labelled the existing 10-team format ‘restrictive’, the ICC is keen to find a middle way that helps both the broadcasters and the emerging nations. While the 2023 World Cup will be played as a 10-team format, the new idea will be implemented from the 2027 edition. 

The Super Six format was played during the 2003 World Cup

Reports suggest that the ICC is thinking on the lines of going back to the 14-team format with a Super Six included, keeping the broadcasters happy along with making the tournament more interesting. The Super Six model will see the 14 teams getting split into two groups of seven each.

All the teams will play six games each in the first stage of the league. Then, the top three teams in each pool would progress to the Super Sixes stage, with sides carrying forward points from the first group stage. In the Super Sixes, teams would play the three other teams to qualify from the other group stage. The top four teams from the Super Sixes would then reach the semi-finals.

The Super Six format was played during the 2003 ODI World Cup and was a big hit. The proposal will be discussed during the ICC meeting that will be hosted on Tuesday. However, the official confirmation regarding the format will only be made by the end of 2021 after finalizing everything. The World Cup 2019 saw 48 matches in total, while a change if approved, will increase that number to 54.

“A 14-team format with a Super Six is considered the best balanced option. It is favored both because it creates more opportunities for emerging nations to qualify and it ensures enough high-stakes games early on in the tournament,” the report published in Telegraph said.