ICC Unveils New Formats for ODI and T20 World Cups with Super 7 Stage and Eliminator Playoffs

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has approved sweeping changes to the formats of the Men’s ODI and T20 World Cups, introducing new competition structures designed to make every match more competitive and meaningful. The revised formats were announced during the ICC’s annual meetings in Edinburgh and will take effect from the 2027 ODI World Cup and the 2028 T20 World Cup.

ICC revamps ODI and T20 World Cups with Super 7 and Eliminator playoffs.

ODI World Cup to Feature Super Series and Super 7 Stage

The 2027 Men’s ODI World Cup, to be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, will retain its expanded 14-team format but with a significantly different structure.

The tournament will begin with a Super Series, where the three lowest-ranked qualified teams will compete in a round-robin contest. Only the team finishing first will advance to the main tournament, while the other two sides will be eliminated before the group stage.

The remaining 12 teams will then be divided into two groups of six. The top three teams from each group will qualify directly for the next round, while the seventh and final qualification spot will be awarded to the best-performing remaining team across both groups based on overall tournament performance.

The second phase introduces a new Super 7 round-robin league, replacing the previous Super Six format. All seven qualified teams will face each other, with the top four teams in the standings advancing to the semi-finals.

Major Changes for the T20 World Cup

The Men’s T20 World Cup will also receive a new structure from the 2028 edition while continuing with 20 participating teams.

The opening round will now feature five groups of four teams, reducing the number of group-stage matches and increasing the importance of every fixture. The top two teams from each group will move into the next phase.

Instead of the previous Super 8 stage, the ICC has introduced a Super 10 format consisting of two groups of five teams. The teams finishing first in each group will qualify directly for the semi-finals.

The remaining two semi-final places will be decided through IPL-style crossover Eliminator matches, where the second and third-placed teams from opposite groups will face off in knockout contests. The winners of these Eliminators will complete the semi-final lineup.

ICC Aims to Increase Competition

The ICC said the revised formats are intended to reduce low-impact matches, improve competitive balance, and create greater excitement throughout the tournaments. By introducing early qualification pressure, expanded second-round opportunities, and knockout-style Eliminator matches, the governing body hopes to make both World Cups more engaging for players, broadcasters, and cricket fans worldwide.

The new structures mark one of the most significant changes to ICC global tournaments in recent years and are expected to shape the future of international cricket competitions.