A major shakeup in international cricket could be on the horizon as a proposal has emerged to expand the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup to 32 teams in future editions. The move aims to make the game more inclusive, global, and competitive, especially in the shortest format.
Working Group Formed to Review Formats and Major Events
According to media reports, a special working group has been formed to evaluate the structure of cricket formats and major global tournaments, including the T20 World Cup. This six-member panel will be led by New Zealand Cricket CEO Roger Twose.
Prominent figures from some of the world’s most influential cricket boards—India (BCCI), England (ECB), and Australia (CA)—are also part of this committee, indicating the seriousness and potential impact of the discussions.
Next T20 World Cup to Feature 20 Teams as Planned
Despite the new proposal, it has been confirmed that the next edition of the ICC T20 World Cup will go ahead with the already announced 20-team format. This edition is expected to continue the model introduced for 2024, focusing on giving more Associate Nations the chance to compete on the global stage.
The idea to increase the number of teams to 32 is still in the preliminary stage and would likely apply to tournaments beyond 2026, depending on further evaluations and logistical planning.
USA Cricket Suspension Likely to Be Deferred
In a related development, the reports also mention that the suspension of USA Cricket could be delayed for three months. This grace period would allow the organization to resolve ongoing administrative and governance issues.
The ICC is reportedly giving USA Cricket additional time to address its internal challenges, highlighting the growing importance of the American market for the future of the sport, especially after co-hosting the T20 World Cup 2024.
Cricket’s Global Vision Moving Forward
The possible expansion to a 32-team T20 World Cup reflects the ICC’s vision of globalizing the game, especially in non-traditional cricket regions. With shorter formats gaining popularity worldwide, stakeholders believe this is the right time to explore broader participation and increased opportunities for emerging nations.
What’s Next?
While no final decision has been made yet, the working group’s discussions and recommendations will play a crucial role in shaping the future of international T20 cricket. A 32-team World Cup could transform the sport’s landscape, offering more drama, diversity, and global reach than ever before.
