'Disrupts planning': Associate nations blast ICC over ODI World Cup format changes
The two European Associate Member boards said they were disappointed that the ICC had made what they described as “significant structural changes” less than 18 months before the tournament.
Cricket Scotland and the Royal Dutch Cricket Association have condemned recent modifications to the qualification pathway and format for the Men's 50-over World Cup by the International Cricket Council (ICC). The European Associate Member boards expressed disappointment that the ICC implemented these significant structural changes so close to the tournament's commencement.
The ICC unveiled the alterations in June as part of a restructure for its two men's World Cup tournaments, incorporating Super Series and Super 7 rounds. Despite the tournament maintaining its 14-team structure, the three lowest-ranked teams would now engage in a Super Series round, with the leading team advancing to the main 12-team group stage.
The top three teams from each group, along with the next best-placed team across the two groups, would then proceed to the new Super 7 round. Cricket Scotland and the Royal Dutch Cricket Association contended that these modifications could impede the expansion of Associate Member cricket, which could undermine progress made in recent years to grow the global game.
They also queried the timing and consultation process behind the changes, emphasizing that decisions of such magnitude, particularly those impacting Associate Members, should be made following meaningful consultation and with ample notice for affected Members to comprehend and address the implications. The boards posited that altering qualification rules during a cycle undermines certainty for players and teams, as members and their athletes dedicate years to preparing for World Cups.
Any uncertainty introduced by midterm changes disrupts planning and imposes extra operational and financial burdens on organizations already operating under constrained resources. Lastly, the boards underscored the significance of World Cup participation for Associate Members, as securing a place in such a prestigious event empowers these nations to generate investment, inspire players, attract commercial partners and government support, and engender memorable moments that captivate supporters. These experiences have historically bolstered the notion that success is earned on the field.
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