ODI World Cup: Associate captains fear ICC is closing doors on emerging teams
The ICC's revamped format for the 2027 ODI World Cup has drawn sharp criticism from Associate captains Scott Edwards, Gerhard Erasmus, and Richie Berrington, who believe it makes qualification even tougher for emerging nations.
The International Cricket Council’s decision to revamp the format of the 2027 ODI World Cup has sparked criticism from several Associate captains, who believe the changes will make it more difficult for emerging nations to compete at cricket’s showpiece event.
Approved at the ICC Annual Conference, the new structure will retain the 14-team tournament but introduce a “Super Series” involving the three lowest-ranked qualified sides, with only one team advancing to the main competition.
The move has drawn strong reactions from Netherlands captain Scott Edwards, Namibia skipper Gerhard Erasmus and Scotland’s Richie Berrington, all of whom questioned whether the changes align with the ICC’s goal of expanding the game globally.
ASSOCIATE TEAMS FEAR SHRINKING OPPORTUNITIES
Associate nations have long pushed for greater representation at ICC events, with teams such as Scotland, Namibia and the Netherlands producing memorable performances against Full Member sides in recent years. However, the latest restructuring has raised concerns that the road to the World Cup is becoming even tougher.
Edwards described the decision as “incredibly disappointing”, arguing that Associate teams had spent years building competitive ODI programmes only to see their opportunities reduced.
Also Read: World Cup needs more stories like Cape Verde. Cricket only wants India vs Pak
“Qualifying for an ODI World Cup is a huge achievement for any country, so when the reality of that opportunity changes after years of planning, it’s incredibly disappointing,” Edwards said.
“The ICC talks a lot about growing the game globally, but decisions like this make it harder for associate nations to play against the best teams in the world.”
The Dutch captain added that matches against elite opposition are crucial not only for improving standards but also for inspiring future generations of cricketers. In his view, the sport should be creating “more opportunities on the global stage, not less”.
Erasmus echoed those concerns, stressing that ODI cricket remains the pinnacle format for players from Associate nations. He argued that teams that earn qualification should not face additional hurdles before getting the chance to compete against the world’s best.
For players from emerging cricketing nations, Erasmus said, the 50-over World Cup is “our long form”, making access to the tournament even more significant.
Scotland captain Richie Berrington, meanwhile, focused on the decision-making process. He urged administrators to involve players more meaningfully when introducing major changes to global tournaments.
“Players don't expect to make every decision, but we should be meaningfully consulted on decisions that have significant impacts on the game and on players' careers,” Berrington said.
“Better decisions are made when different perspectives are brought to the table, and we're urging the game to start doing that properly.”
The criticism has also been backed by the World Cricketers’ Association, which questioned the transparency surrounding the decision. The players’ body argued that reducing opportunities for Associate teams runs counter to cricket’s stated ambition of global growth and pointed out that countries had invested years in qualification pathways.
HOW THE NEW ODI WORLD CUP FORMAT WORKS
The 2027 ODI World Cup, which will be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, will feature a new three-stage format. While 14 teams will qualify for the tournament, not all of them will enter the main competition directly.
The three lowest-ranked qualified teams will first compete in the “Super Series”, with only one side progressing to the next stage. The remaining teams will then enter the main phase of the tournament.
From there, teams will be split into two groups, with each side playing every other team in its pool. The top teams will then progress to the newly introduced “Super 7” stage, where they will play further matches to decide the four semi-finalists. The tournament will conclude with the semi-finals and final and is expected to feature 57 matches.
For Associate nations, however, the concern extends beyond the format itself. Many fear that the increasingly complex qualification route will limit exposure, funding and opportunities to face elite opposition. For countries still trying to establish themselves on the world stage, such opportunities are invaluable.
That is why captains such as Edwards, Erasmus and Berrington have spoken out. At a time when cricket is seeking to expand beyond its traditional powerhouses, they believe the sport should be opening more doors for emerging teams rather than placing fresh obstacles in their way.
The International Cricket Council’s decision to revamp the format of the 2027 ODI World Cup has sparked criticism from several Associate captains, who believe the changes will make it more difficult for emerging nations to compete at cricket’s showpiece event.
Approved at the ICC Annual Conference, the new structure will retain the 14-team tournament but introduce a “Super Series” involving the three lowest-ranked qualified sides, with only one team advancing to the main competition.
The move has drawn strong reactions from Netherlands captain Scott Edwards, Namibia skipper Gerhard Erasmus and Scotland’s Richie Berrington, all of whom questioned whether the changes align with the ICC’s goal of expanding the game globally.
ASSOCIATE TEAMS FEAR SHRINKING OPPORTUNITIES
Associate nations have long pushed for greater representation at ICC events, with teams such as Scotland, Namibia and the Netherlands producing memorable performances against Full Member sides in recent years. However, the latest restructuring has raised concerns that the road to the World Cup is becoming even tougher.
Edwards described the decision as “incredibly disappointing”, arguing that Associate teams had spent years building competitive ODI programmes only to see their opportunities reduced.
Also Read: World Cup needs more stories like Cape Verde. Cricket only wants India vs Pak
“Qualifying for an ODI World Cup is a huge achievement for any country, so when the reality of that opportunity changes after years of planning, it’s incredibly disappointing,” Edwards said.
“The ICC talks a lot about growing the game globally, but decisions like this make it harder for associate nations to play against the best teams in the world.”
The Dutch captain added that matches against elite opposition are crucial not only for improving standards but also for inspiring future generations of cricketers. In his view, the sport should be creating “more opportunities on the global stage, not less”.
Erasmus echoed those concerns, stressing that ODI cricket remains the pinnacle format for players from Associate nations. He argued that teams that earn qualification should not face additional hurdles before getting the chance to compete against the world’s best.
For players from emerging cricketing nations, Erasmus said, the 50-over World Cup is “our long form”, making access to the tournament even more significant.
Scotland captain Richie Berrington, meanwhile, focused on the decision-making process. He urged administrators to involve players more meaningfully when introducing major changes to global tournaments.
“Players don't expect to make every decision, but we should be meaningfully consulted on decisions that have significant impacts on the game and on players' careers,” Berrington said.
“Better decisions are made when different perspectives are brought to the table, and we're urging the game to start doing that properly.”
The criticism has also been backed by the World Cricketers’ Association, which questioned the transparency surrounding the decision. The players’ body argued that reducing opportunities for Associate teams runs counter to cricket’s stated ambition of global growth and pointed out that countries had invested years in qualification pathways.
HOW THE NEW ODI WORLD CUP FORMAT WORKS
The 2027 ODI World Cup, which will be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, will feature a new three-stage format. While 14 teams will qualify for the tournament, not all of them will enter the main competition directly.
The three lowest-ranked qualified teams will first compete in the “Super Series”, with only one side progressing to the next stage. The remaining teams will then enter the main phase of the tournament.
From there, teams will be split into two groups, with each side playing every other team in its pool. The top teams will then progress to the newly introduced “Super 7” stage, where they will play further matches to decide the four semi-finalists. The tournament will conclude with the semi-finals and final and is expected to feature 57 matches.
For Associate nations, however, the concern extends beyond the format itself. Many fear that the increasingly complex qualification route will limit exposure, funding and opportunities to face elite opposition. For countries still trying to establish themselves on the world stage, such opportunities are invaluable.
That is why captains such as Edwards, Erasmus and Berrington have spoken out. At a time when cricket is seeking to expand beyond its traditional powerhouses, they believe the sport should be opening more doors for emerging teams rather than placing fresh obstacles in their way.
The International Cricket Council’s decision to revamp the format of the 2027 ODI World Cup has sparked criticism from several Associate captains, who believe the changes will make it more difficult for emerging nations to compete at cricket’s showpiece event.
Approved at the ICC Annual Conference, the new structure will retain the 14-team tournament but introduce a “Super Series” involving the three lowest-ranked qualified sides, with only one team advancing to the main competition.
The move has drawn strong reactions from Netherlands captain Scott Edwards, Namibia skipper Gerhard Erasmus and Scotland’s Richie Berrington, all of whom questioned whether the changes align with the ICC’s goal of expanding the game globally.
ASSOCIATE TEAMS FEAR SHRINKING OPPORTUNITIES
Associate nations have long pushed for greater representation at ICC events, with teams such as Scotland, Namibia and the Netherlands producing memorable performances against Full Member sides in recent years. However, the latest restructuring has raised concerns that the road to the World Cup is becoming even tougher.
Edwards described the decision as “incredibly disappointing”, arguing that Associate teams had spent years building competitive ODI programmes only to see their opportunities reduced.
Also Read: World Cup needs more stories like Cape Verde. Cricket only wants India vs Pak
“Qualifying for an ODI World Cup is a huge achievement for any country, so when the reality of that opportunity changes after years of planning, it’s incredibly disappointing,” Edwards said.
“The ICC talks a lot about growing the game globally, but decisions like this make it harder for associate nations to play against the best teams in the world.”
The Dutch captain added that matches against elite opposition are crucial not only for improving standards but also for inspiring future generations of cricketers. In his view, the sport should be creating “more opportunities on the global stage, not less”.
Erasmus echoed those concerns, stressing that ODI cricket remains the pinnacle format for players from Associate nations. He argued that teams that earn qualification should not face additional hurdles before getting the chance to compete against the world’s best.
For players from emerging cricketing nations, Erasmus said, the 50-over World Cup is “our long form”, making access to the tournament even more significant.
Scotland captain Richie Berrington, meanwhile, focused on the decision-making process. He urged administrators to involve players more meaningfully when introducing major changes to global tournaments.
“Players don't expect to make every decision, but we should be meaningfully consulted on decisions that have significant impacts on the game and on players' careers,” Berrington said.
“Better decisions are made when different perspectives are brought to the table, and we're urging the game to start doing that properly.”
The criticism has also been backed by the World Cricketers’ Association, which questioned the transparency surrounding the decision. The players’ body argued that reducing opportunities for Associate teams runs counter to cricket’s stated ambition of global growth and pointed out that countries had invested years in qualification pathways.
HOW THE NEW ODI WORLD CUP FORMAT WORKS
The 2027 ODI World Cup, which will be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, will feature a new three-stage format. While 14 teams will qualify for the tournament, not all of them will enter the main competition directly.
The three lowest-ranked qualified teams will first compete in the “Super Series”, with only one side progressing to the next stage. The remaining teams will then enter the main phase of the tournament.
From there, teams will be split into two groups, with each side playing every other team in its pool. The top teams will then progress to the newly introduced “Super 7” stage, where they will play further matches to decide the four semi-finalists. The tournament will conclude with the semi-finals and final and is expected to feature 57 matches.
For Associate nations, however, the concern extends beyond the format itself. Many fear that the increasingly complex qualification route will limit exposure, funding and opportunities to face elite opposition. For countries still trying to establish themselves on the world stage, such opportunities are invaluable.
That is why captains such as Edwards, Erasmus and Berrington have spoken out. At a time when cricket is seeking to expand beyond its traditional powerhouses, they believe the sport should be opening more doors for emerging teams rather than placing fresh obstacles in their way.
