Scotland and Netherlands criticize ICC’s new 2027 World Cup format

Cricket Scotland and the Royal Dutch Cricket Association criticised the ICC’s revamped 2027 men’s ODI World Cup, saying the new structure would make it harder for emerging nations to progress. The 14-team tournament in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia will add a Super Series round and a Super 7 stage, but only one of the three lowest-ranked sides will actually feature in the later phase.

The dispute is about access as much as format. Richie Berrington, Scotland’s captain, said players need to be “meaningfully consulted” on significant issues in cricket, while associate captains Scott Edwards and Gerhard Erasmus also attacked the changes. Their concern is that the road through qualification has become narrower just as the ICC has kept the field at 14 teams.

The World Cricketers’ Association said it was “concerned” about how the tournament was being structured and warned that it raised “questions about transparency, consultation and the game's long-term commitment to development.” ESPN described the reaction from associate nations as “incredibly disappointing.” For Scotland and the Netherlands, the practical effect is stark: fewer chances to turn a World Cup appearance into deeper-stage matches, more visibility and the commercial leverage that comes with both.

The ICC said the changes were intended to improve “competitiveness and consequence.” That rationale has not eased fears among smaller boards that the revamped pathway will further entrench the sport’s established powers. With the 2027 tournament spread across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, the revised Super Series and Super 7 stages will reward teams that already have a stronger base, while leaving associate nations to fight for a shrinking slice of the bracket.