ICC Introduces New Format for One-Day World Cup

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has implemented significant structural changes to the One-Day World Cup tournament. Under the new format, 14 teams will participate in the World Cup, which will be conducted in three distinct phases. The ICC states that this new structure aims to make the competition more intense and thrilling.

According to the new format, among the 14 participating teams, those ranked 12th, 13th, and 14th will compete in a ‘Super Series’. This round-robin stage will determine the winner, who will then join the main group stage as the 12th team. In the second phase, the 12 teams will be divided into two groups, each containing six teams. The top three teams from each group, along with the best fourth-placed team across both groups, will advance to the ‘Super 7’ stage.

During the ‘Super 7’ stage, all seven teams will play each other in a round-robin format. The top four teams from this phase will qualify for the semifinals. The semifinals will see the first-ranked team face the fourth-ranked team, and the second-ranked team compete against the third-ranked team. The winners of these matches will then contest the final. Previously, the World Cup format divided 14 teams into two groups, with the top three from each progressing to the ‘Super Six’ stage.

The ICC highlights that the revamped structure is designed to increase the significance of every match from the start of the tournament, enhance the competitiveness, and provide a more exciting experience for players and fans alike.