Scotland and Netherlands criticise ICC over 2027 World Cup format

Scotland and the Netherlands have called out the ICC for cutting the 2027 World Cup from 14 teams to 12. The main event now splits into two groups of six, while the three lowest-ranked qualifiers must first play a preliminary Super Series — only the winner advances.

Cricket Scotland and the Royal Dutch Cricket Association released a joint statement saying the change weakens the tournament's credibility and was pushed through without proper consultation. The boards met the ICC twice and asked for written clarification. They received nothing after the second meeting more than two weeks ago.

The decision was taken at the ICC's annual conference in Edinburgh in July. BBC Sport reported that almost every associate member was kept out of the loop, even though they attended.