Overview
- A McKinsey strategic review has presented a package of options to the ICC and will be discussed by the 12 full members at the Annual General Meeting in Edinburgh on July 8–11.
- The proposals under consideration include shortening one‑day internationals to about 40 overs, concentrating most bilateral 50‑over matches in the 18 months before World Cups, and creating fixed windows for Tests, ODIs and T20s.
- The review also recommends launching a global World Club T20 to bring leading franchise teams together and expanding the World Test Championship to 12 teams with possible inclusion of Ireland, Afghanistan and Zimbabwe.
- Any major changes face steep political and commercial hurdles because the Future Tours Programme and marquee events are already scheduled through 2031 and because powerful boards such as the BCCI, ECB and Cricket Australia control most bilateral revenue.
- If adopted over time, the plan would shift player availability and broadcast value toward concentrated international windows and club tournaments, but past failures of franchise club events and strong board resistance mean reforms are likely to be phased and contested.