Former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has backed the ICC’s revised formats for the 2027 ODI World Cup and 2028 T20 World Cup, while urging cricket’s governing body to provide more opportunities for emerging teams.
Ashwin Welcomes ICC’s Format Changes for Future World Cups
Former Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has expressed support for the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) newly announced changes to the formats of the 2027 ODI World Cup and the 2028 T20 World Cup. While welcoming the decision as a step toward making international tournaments more competitive, Ashwin also stressed that cricket’s global growth depends on creating better opportunities for emerging nations.
The ICC recently approved major structural changes to its marquee men’s tournaments during its annual board meetings in Edinburgh. The governing body said the revised formats are aimed at creating more meaningful contests, improving competitiveness, and enhancing the experience for both players and fans.
Reacting to the announcement, Ashwin said the changes make sense from a competitive perspective but warned that the sport’s expansion cannot rely solely on reforms at the top level.
Ashwin Emphasises the Need to Support Smaller Cricket Nations
Sharing his views on social media, Ashwin praised the ICC’s efforts to increase the intensity of global tournaments but highlighted the need for stronger pathways for associate nations.
He argued that countries such as the Netherlands, Scotland, Nepal, the United States, and Ireland require regular, meaningful international fixtures instead of being limited to qualification events. According to Ashwin, one possible solution would be to include these teams more frequently in bilateral series involving established cricketing nations.
Ashwin’s comments reflect a long-standing debate within the cricketing world. While top nations continue to dominate the sport’s calendar and commercial landscape, associate members often struggle to secure regular high-level competition.
The former India spinner also pointed out that expanding cricket’s global reach will become even more important as the sport prepares for future Olympic participation.
What Has Changed in the 2027 ODI World Cup Format?
The ICC has confirmed that the 2027 ODI World Cup, which will be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, will continue to feature 14 teams. However, the tournament will now follow a new three-stage structure designed to make every match more significant.
Under the revised format, teams will compete through multiple rounds before reaching the knockout stages. The changes include the introduction of an additional phase known as the “Super 7” stage, where seven qualifying teams will battle for places in the semi-finals.
ICC officials believe that the new structure will reduce the number of low-stakes matches and ensure that teams remain under pressure throughout the tournament. The board said the format has been designed to create “greater context, competitiveness and consequence” from the opening match to the final.
The changes have also sparked discussion among fans and experts, with some suggesting that the revised format could lead to more high-profile clashes between major cricketing nations.
T20 World Cup 2028 Set for Major Overhaul
The ICC has also approved changes to the format of the 2028 Men’s T20 World Cup. The tournament will continue to feature 20 teams, but the second phase will be expanded from eight teams to ten, creating a new “Super 10” stage.
In addition, a new eliminator round will be introduced, allowing second- and third-placed teams from the Super 10 groups to compete for the remaining semi-final spots.
The governing body believes these changes will improve competitive balance while offering emerging nations more opportunities to advance deeper into the tournament. Officials were encouraged by the performances of smaller teams during the 2026 T20 World Cup and hope the revised system will further strengthen cricket’s global appeal.
The ICC has also outlined a revamped qualification pathway for the 2028 event, including regional qualifiers and the possibility of a new global tournament dedicated to associate nations.
Why Ashwin’s Comments Matter
Ashwin’s remarks highlight one of the biggest challenges facing world cricket: balancing competitiveness with inclusivity. While stronger tournament structures can make World Cups more exciting, the long-term growth of the game depends on giving developing nations access to regular international competition.
As cricket continues its push to expand beyond traditional powerhouses, voices like Ashwin’s underline the importance of ensuring that smaller teams are not left behind.
With the ICC introducing significant changes ahead of two major global events, the coming years could shape the future direction of the sport both on and off the field.
Key Takeaways
- Ravichandran Ashwin supports the ICC’s revised formats for the 2027 ODI World Cup and 2028 T20 World Cup.
- He believes the changes improve competitiveness but wants greater opportunities for emerging nations.
- The 2027 ODI World Cup will feature a new three-stage structure and a Super 7 round.
- The 2028 T20 World Cup will introduce a Super 10 stage and additional eliminator matches.
- Ashwin has urged the ICC to include associate nations more regularly in bilateral series.
FAQs
Why has the ICC changed the World Cup formats?
The ICC says the changes are intended to create more meaningful matches, improve competitiveness, and enhance the experience for players and fans.
What is the new format for the 2027 ODI World Cup?
The tournament will retain 14 teams but will adopt a three-stage format, including a Super 7 phase before the semi-finals.
What changes have been made to the 2028 T20 World Cup?
The competition will expand its second stage from eight teams to ten teams and introduce eliminator matches to determine the semi-finalists.
What did Ravichandran Ashwin say about the changes?
Ashwin said the new formats make sense from a competitiveness standpoint but added that emerging nations need more meaningful international matches to help grow the sport globally.
