Even though the T20 World Cup’s 2021 edition in India and 2022 version in Australia are set to feature 16 teams only, ESPNcricinfo has reported “there are plans to increase that number from the 2024 edition. Current thinking suggests that version of the event will feature four groups of five teams in its opening phase.”
“The ICC has long seen the T20 format as a vehicle for the game’s expansion and there has been previous talk of such an expansion. The ICC have already confirmed their plans to increase the number of teams in their women’s competitions.”
The expansion of the tournament is part of ICC’s wider plan to make the game more inclusive in the next cycle after facing criticism over reducing the participating countries in its marquee events, especially the 50-over World Cup. The quadrennial event had only 10 teams featuring at its 2019 edition in the UK, with two full-members – Ireland and Zimbabwe – and a host of much-improved associate nations missing out.
However, the ODI World Cup could be increased to 14 teams from its 2027 edition as the ICC looks to make amends on this front. There is a more positive attitude on the discussion table regarding cricket’s Olympic participation as well. And also for the return of the Intercontinental Cup, which provided an important four-day experience to associate countries till it was shelved from the calendar a couple of years back.
The increase in teams for the ODI World Cup is perhaps the most telling reflection of the new attitude. From the 2007 edition, the number of teams in the 50-over World Cup has decreased from 16 to 14 to 10 with the broadcasters, who will always prefer a more streamlined format and guaranteed India matches, getting things their way.
But it seems the decision-makers have realised the need to prioritise long-term cricketing gains over short-term financial ones. It also shows how other full-member nations have regained their powers since the changes brought about after the Big 3 takeover were rolled back in 2017.
“All these subjects have been discussed in recent Chief Executives’ Committee meetings and, though no firm decisions have been taken, there has been a notably more positive appreciation of the benefits of this expansion from the more powerful Full Member countries,”
“Indeed, it is understood that the subject of the Olympics was raised at a recent CEC meeting by the ECB’s Tom Harrison. The BCCI have also recently signalled their desire for involvement, albeit with the caveat that they will not tolerate interference from the Indian Olympic Association.”
ESPNcricinfo reported.
The Intercontinental Cup previously provided associate member countries with a chance to play a decent standard of first-class cricket among each other. But the tournament was disbanded in 2018 when Ireland and Afghanistan were promoted to the Test match arena.
However, the I-Cup could be reintroduced with a different name and be revamped to allow some of those countries to also play Tests. “That could well mean more nations being permitted to play the format and might effectively introduce a second division in Test cricket.”
Cricket’s return to the Olympics after more than a century is also expected to boost the game globally in terms of finance and playing opportunities. The full-member nations were long against inclusion in the games, fearing it would eat a portion of their calendar filled with bilateral arrangements. But there is now “a growing appreciation of the benefits of inclusion in the event”.
Ian Watmore, the ECB chairman, who is on an ICC sub-committee which will report back to the CEC on the matter, is a longstanding supporter of cricket’s Olympics inclusion and believes it will benefit both the men’s and women’s version of the game.
“As a result, there is a growing likelihood of inclusion in the 2032 event (which is likely to be held in Brisbane) and a possibility of a bid for the 2028 version (which is scheduled to be held in LA).”
It isn’t yet clear, though, how many teams will take part in such an event and in which format. However, there is growing support to recognise T10 as cricket’s Olympic format. Keeping in mind, it’ll allow more nations to take part and enable organisers to finish the competition in a short window.
