By A crucial component of the ICC’s larger plan to promote cricket throughout the world is the extension of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup to 20 teams beginning in 2024. Several salient points:
According to the ICC, expanding cricket into new markets and improving accessibility are best achieved through the T20 format. The T20 World Cup’s expansion is a “conscious decision” made in an effort to “position T20 as the growth format of the game across all of our members.”
The United States, which will host matches for the first time in 2024, will be a part of the expanded 20-team, 55-match T20 World Cup. This is in line with the ICC’s objective of expanding into significant new markets,, like the USA. One of the six strategic priority projects of the ICC, which aims to develop, safeguard, and expand cricket globally, is the extension of the T20 World Cup. The goal of the ICC is to grow the sport’s players, fans, and national participation.
The ICC also regards the development of women’s cricket as a top priority. The ICC’s commitment to developing and promoting women’s cricket includes the Women’s T20 World Cup expansion.
In essence, the ICC’s overall aim to make cricket a more global sport with a greater fan base and player pool includes the T20 World Cup expansion, particularly to new countries like the USA. The T20 format is thought to be the most effective means of achieving this objective of global involvement and expansion.
Will the expanded T20 World Cup is unlikely to overshadow the ICC Cricket World Cup in the long run?
Even if T20 cricket is becoming more and more popular, especially with younger players and fans, the ODI World Cup is still the highest level of the sport:
* According to a player survey, 50% of players thought the 50-over ODI World Cup was the most significant ICC event in 2024—a decrease from 85% in 2019 but still a majority. * The ICC’s commitment to the format is demonstrated by the fact that the ODI World Cup will feature the same well-liked Super Six stage as in 2003, but with 14 teams in 2027 and 2031. * In 2025 and 2029, the eight-team ODI Champions Trophy will return, underscoring the ongoing significance of the 50-over game. Additionally, the World Test Championship Final and Test cricket are being maintained.
