Cricket’s governing body shifts the goalposts for the usual reasons
The article criticizes the International Cricket Council (ICC) for changing the 2027 50-over World Cup format just 15 months before the tournament, with no guarantee of stability. Initially expanding from 10 to 14 teams to address criticism, the ICC then altered the structure to a three-stage event: a three-team qualifier (only one advances), followed by a 12-team group stage, then a 'Super Seven' round robin, and semifinals. The author argues this reduces opportunities for Associate members like Scotland and the Netherlands, despite their recent competitive performances. The primary motivation, according to the analysis, is financial—specifically ensuring at least two (potentially three) India vs Pakistan matches, which are the ICC's biggest revenue generators due to high television viewership and the lack of bilateral series between the two nations. The piece concludes that the ICC prioritizes money over the sport's global development.
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