ICC Considers Cutting 2027 ODI World Cup From 14 to 12 Teams

If the board approves the change it would force a redraw of qualification rules and likely shrink or eliminate places for Associate nations.

Overview

A report by journalist Tristan Lavalette, which appeared Tuesday, said ICC board discussions in Edinburgh are weighing a move to reduce the 2027 tournament from 14 teams to 12.
The ICC has not confirmed any change and official qualification documents still list a 14‑team World Cup, so any alteration would require formal approval and new published rules.
Associate boards and administrators have publicly objected, warning that a cut to 12 would almost certainly reduce qualifier slots and could leave no Associate teams in the event.
Under the current 14‑team plan South Africa and Zimbabwe qualify automatically while co‑host Namibia must earn a place through normal qualifying, a situation that would grow harder if slots are removed.
A reduction would force a rewrite of the playing format, match schedule and venue allocations for the October–November 2027 event and could reshape investment and development plans for smaller cricket nations.