Scotland, Netherlands criticise 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.

The statement says that the two boards and other Associate Members met twice with the ICC to get official written communication on the changes and more clarity about the process.

However, they claimed that the ICC has not responded for more than two weeks, describing the situation as "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”.

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

Additionally, the boards stated that major decisions, particularly those that have a direct impact on Associate Members, should only be made after consulting with them and providing "sufficient notice" so that the repercussions can be fully comprehended.

“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 ODI World Cup's new format, which was announced last month, has 14 teams instead of the previous 10. It also has 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.

The World Cup qualifier between the Netherlands and Scotland will take place in February 2027. The venue for it is yet to be decided.

Since the next ODI World Cup is scheduled to begin in October of next year, the changes to the format have prompted immediate concerns.

The statement continued, "With less than eighteen months until the tournament, the timing of these changes has given affected Members limited opportunity to contribute to the process or adapt."

“We believe greater engagement with Associate Members would have supported a more effective and collaborative approach and help maintain confidence in the qualification pathway”.