Scotland, Netherlands hit out at ICC's ODI World Cup format changes

Cricket Scotland and the Royal Dutch Cricket Association (KNCB) have issued a strongly worded joint statement expressing deep disappointment at the ICC’s recent changes to the format of the Men’s ODI World Cup.

According to the statement, the two boards, along with other Associate Members, met with the ICC twice and sought official written communication on the changes, as well as greater clarity around the process involved.

However, they claimed that there’s been no response from the ICC more than two weeks since the second meeting, calling it “disappointing” and “disrespectful”.

Deeming the changes a setback to Associate Members, the statement said that the new format will “risk undermining the progress made in recent years to grow the global game”.

“At a time when cricket is seeking to expand its reach, attract new audiences and strengthen its position on the international sporting landscape, reducing meaningful opportunities for emerging nations sends entirely the wrong message,” the statement said.

The boards also said that significant decisions, specifically those directly affecting Associate Members, should only be made after consulting with them and providing “sufficient notice” so that the implications are best understood.

“The changes risk weakening the integrity and credibility of international cricket, and only highlights the importance of strong governance, transparent decision-making and effective engagement with Members.

“Members and their players invest years in preparing for World Cups, and confidence in those pathways depends on them not changing part-way through a qualification cycle without consultation. Changing those structures at short notice creates significant uncertainty, disrupts planning, and places additional operational and financial pressure on organisations that are already operating with limited resources,” the statement added.

The new format to the ODI World Cup, introduced last month, increases the number of teams to 14 (from 10), but also consists of four rounds, with a round-robin “Super Series” preceding the group stage.

Out of teams 12, 13 and 14, two will progress to Round 2, eliminating one team immediately.

Both Netherlands and Scotland have advanced to the World Cup qualifier, which is set to be played in February 2027. The venue for it is yet to be decided.

The format changes to the ODI World Cup have led to immediate concerns, especially since the next edition is set to begin in October next year.

“The timing of these changes, with less than eighteen months until the tournament, has given affected Members limited opportunity to contribute to the process or adapt,” the statement added.

Click here to read article