KARACHI: Cricket Scotland and the Netherlands Cricket Board have expressed strong concerns over changes to the qualification format for the 2027 ICC Men’s ODI World Cup, with less than 18 months remaining before the tournament.
Under the revised structure, the 12th, 13th and 14th-ranked qualifying teams will compete in a Super Series, with only one team progressing to the next stage of the World Cup.
Scotland and the Netherlands said the change could reduce opportunities for Associate nations to compete at the highest level and potentially undermine efforts to expand the global reach of cricket.
The two boards said they had met the International Cricket Council (ICC) twice alongside other Associate members to seek a written explanation of the format change and greater consultation on future decisions.
According to the boards, two weeks have passed since their second meeting, but they have yet to receive a response from the ICC.
Scotland and the Netherlands argued that making significant changes to the World Cup qualification structure at short notice could affect teams’ planning, financial arrangements and player preparation.
They also warned that reduced opportunities for Associate nations could have broader implications for the development and growth of cricket outside the sport’s traditional leading nations.
The two boards have urged the ICC to re-engage with Associate members and ensure greater transparency and consultation when making decisions that affect the future structure of international cricket.
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