Overview
- The ICC board ratified the revised 2027 format at its annual conference, introducing a three‑team preliminary 'Super Series' that sends only one of those teams into the main group phase.
- Under the new structure the tournament stays a 14‑team event but effectively reduces direct main‑phase places for the lowest‑ranked qualifiers by adding the Super Series, then two groups of six, a Super 7 round and knockout matches.
- The ICC says the tweak will make early fixtures more meaningful and improve broadcast value by cutting dead‑rubber games.
- The World Cricketers' Association and several associate captains publicly condemned the decision for lacking player and stakeholder consultation and for limiting associates' chances to play top nations.
- No reversal has been announced and the ICC has referred separate plans for a global associate tournament to its Finance and Commercial Affairs Committee for further review through November 2026.