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World Cup

ICC shakes up 2027 World Cup format

The 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia will feature a new three-stage format following changes approved at the ICC’s annual meeting in Edinburgh.

According to the ICC, the revised structure is intended to produce more meaningful matches, improve competitive standards and create a better tournament experience for players and supporters.

The competition will retain its 14-team field, but the three lowest-placed sides will begin in a round-robin Super Series. Only the winner will progress to the next phase.

The remaining 12 teams will then be divided into two groups of six, with each group playing a round-robin format. The top three from each group, along with the best-performing fourth-placed team, will qualify for the Super 7 stage.

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All seven teams will face each other in the Super 7, with the leading four advancing to the semi-finals. The table-toppers will meet the fourth-placed side, while second will face third for a place in the final.

The ICC has also revamped the 2028 T20 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. The 20 teams will be split into five groups of four, with the top two from each section progressing to the Super 10.

Two groups of five will make up the next phase, with each group winner advancing directly to the semi-finals. The teams finishing second and third will contest a new Eliminator round to decide the remaining two semi-finalists.

South Africa are among 12 nations already qualified for the tournament. The final eight places will be determined through a new 16-team Global Qualifier involving teams advancing from regional competitions.

FULL STORY…

Photo: Surjeet Yadav/Getty Images

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