'Teams like Nepal, USA, Ireland need more matches': Ashwin on ICC's World Cup format overhaul
New Delhi, July 16
Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has welcomed the International Cricket Council's revamped formats for the ODI World Cup and the T20 World Cup, but believes the governing body must do more to accelerate the growth of cricket beyond its established nations.
Reacting to the ICC's announcement, Ashwin said the structural changes improve competitiveness but stressed that expanding opportunities for emerging teams will be crucial if the sport is to fulfil its Olympic ambitions.
The ICC recently confirmed sweeping changes to the formats of its two flagship white-ball tournaments. The 2027 ODI World Cup will feature a new three-stage structure beginning with a preliminary Super Series before progressing to a group phase, a Super 7 round and the knockout stage. Meanwhile, the 2028 T20 World Cup will retain 20 teams but adopt five initial groups followed by a Super 10 stage and Eliminators before the semi-finals.
While backing the intent behind the revised competition structures, Ashwin argued that tournament reforms alone will not be enough to bridge the gap between Full Members and Associate nations.
"The ICC's changes to the fixture format for the 2027 ODI World Cup and 2028 T20 World Cup make sense from a competitiveness standpoint. But if the final goal is to grow the game, there needs to be a stronger pathway for emerging nations," Ashwin wrote on X.
Ashwin suggested that the international calendar itself should evolve to provide associate teams with consistent exposure against higher-ranked opponents instead of limiting their opportunities to qualification events.
"Teams like the Netherlands, Scotland, Nepal, USA and Ireland need more meaningful matches ( FOR EXAMPLE: getting added as the third team into every bilateral series ), not just qualification tournaments," he added.
The former India spinner added that broadening the competitive landscape would ultimately benefit cricket on the global stage, particularly with the sport set to return to the Olympic Games.
"Let's not forget that collective growth will make this sport a spectacle at the Olympics," Ashwin stated.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Finally someone said it! The same Big 3 (India, Aus, Eng) play each other endlessly while associates fight for scraps. Ashwin's idea of adding them as third team in bilaterals is brilliant. Imagine young cricketers from Nepal or USA getting to play against Bumrah or Starc! That's how you grow the game.
But bhai, ICC is a business at the end of the day. Those smaller matches won't generate revenue like India vs Pakistan or Ashes. Ashwin's heart is in right place but ground reality is different. I wish they'd at least give them more T20 exposure though - that format levels the playing field.
As a cricket fan from USA, I couldn't agree more! Our team shocked Pakistan in T20 WC 2024 but since then? Nothing. No bilateral series, no exposure. Ashwin understands that cricket's Olympic dream will die if only 8-10 countries play properly. Please ICC, listen to him! 🇺🇸🏏
Ashwin's suggestion is excellent but I have a different perspective. Let's focus on developing cricket in India first - our domestic structure needs strengthening before we worry about Nepal or USA. But yes, once the base is solid, helping associates makes sense. Balance is key. 🤔
I remember watching Nepal play in 2014 T20 WC and thinking - wow these guys have passion! But they barely play any international cricket. Ashwin's idea of adding them as a third team in bilaterals is so simple yet powerful. Imagine if
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