The is a little over a year away and one man who is not happy with the changes in the format is two-time winner Steve Waugh. Originally there were 14 teams that were taking part but now only 12 shall be in the main draw.
Why so? What has changed?
The New Format
So basically 11 teams directly go through while those ranked 12th, 13th and 14th shall play a qualifying round out of which one team will take the 12th spot. These 12 teams will be divided into two groups of six sides apiece for the group stage.
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Steve Waugh Not Impressed
In an interview to the Telegraph, Waugh, who led Australia to the title in 1999, said it was a ‘backward step’ and accused those running the game of being less open to expanding it. Waugh was also part of the Australian side that won the 1987 ODI World Cup, their first of six crowns. They are the defending champions, having won in 2023. They also won in 2003, 2007 and 2015. Australia lost in the final twice, once in 1975 and then again in 1996.
“It was a backward step; the ODI World Cup went from 14 teams to 12. I don’t understand that rationale. When you look at (World Cup), who went from 32 to 48 teams in the last World Cup in soccer (football), and we’ve gone the other way in cricket,” he said.
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“If we want it to be a global game, we’ve got to be inclusive and encourage other teams. And the only way you get better is through more competition and by playing those tougher teams,” he added.
Associate Nations Unhappy
Associate nations like Scotland and Netherlands were not impressed with the ICC’s decision as it meant their qualification for the tournament was not enough to play the main draw. Back in August, they had issued a joint statement on the matter.
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“Cricket Scotland and the Royal Dutch Cricket Association are deeply disappointed by the International Cricket Council’s recent decision to implement significant structural changes to the ICC Men’s 50-over World Cup qualification pathway and tournament format with less than 18 months until the competition begins,” the statement said.
“These changes represent a setback to Associate Member cricket and risk undermining the progress made in recent years to grow the global game. At a time when cricket is seeking to expand its reach, attract new audiences and strengthen its position on the international sporting landscape, reducing meaningful opportunities for emerging nations sends entirely the wrong message,” it added.