Sports News: The International Cricket Council (ICC) is reportedly considering a significant expansion of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup as part of its long-term strategy to grow cricket worldwide. After the success of the 20-team editions in 2024 and 2026, the governing body is evaluating a 24-team format, with an even more ambitious vision of eventually hosting a 32-team T20 World Cup.
The proposed changes are aimed at giving more emerging cricket nations an opportunity to compete on the sport's biggest stage while accelerating the game's global development.
ICC Evaluating a 24-Team T20 World Cup
According to the proposed plans, the ICC is exploring a new tournament structure that would increase participation from 20 to 24 teams.
Key proposals under discussion include:
- Expanding the tournament to 24 participating nations.
- Introducing the revised format as early as the 2030 or 2032 T20 World Cup.
- Developing a long-term roadmap that could eventually see 32 teams competing in the tournament.
The expansion is intended to create a more inclusive competition while strengthening cricket's global footprint.
Why Is the ICC Considering Expansion?
Calls for a larger T20 World Cup have gained momentum following impressive performances by several Associate and emerging cricket nations in recent ICC tournaments.
These teams have demonstrated that the gap between Full Members and Associate Members is narrowing, making a stronger case for broader representation at major global events.
Notable performances that have fueled the discussion include:
- Zimbabwe producing memorable victories over Australia and Sri Lanka during the 2026 T20 World Cup.
- Associate nations such as Nepal and Italy delivering highly competitive performances against established teams like England.
Such results have reinforced the belief that more countries deserve regular opportunities at ICC global events.
How the Proposed 24-Team Format Could Work
If approved, the expanded tournament could follow a revised competition structure designed to balance competitiveness with a larger field.
The proposed format includes:
- 24 teams divided into six groups of four.
- The top two teams from each group advancing to the Super 12 stage.
- The strongest teams progressing through the knockout rounds.
- The tournament concluding with a championship final.
This structure would increase the number of matches while allowing emerging teams to gain valuable experience against higher-ranked opponents.
Could the 2028 Tournament Be a Stepping Stone?
The 2028 ICC Men's T20 World Cup, scheduled to be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, could serve as an important milestone in shaping the tournament's future.
Before making a final decision, the ICC is expected to evaluate multiple competition models, considering factors such as scheduling, commercial viability, player workload, and competitive balance.
Which Countries Could Benefit?
An expanded tournament would significantly improve qualification opportunities for several emerging cricket nations.
Teams that could benefit from a larger T20 World Cup include:
- Uganda
- Papua New Guinea
- Italy
- Hong Kong
Other countries that may receive improved qualification prospects include:
- United States
- Canada
- Nepal
- Nigeria
- Germany
For many Associate Members, a larger tournament would provide valuable international exposure and greater opportunities to compete against the world's strongest cricketing nations.
Associate Members Welcome the Proposal
Associate cricket boards have generally welcomed discussions around expanding the T20 World Cup.
Previously, several Associate Members and the World Cricketers' Association (WCA) expressed concerns over the decision to reduce the 2027 Men's ODI World Cup from 14 teams to 12.
As a result, expanding the T20 World Cup is viewed by many as a positive step because it could:
- Increase opportunities for emerging cricket nations.
- Improve global representation at ICC tournaments.
- Help Associate teams gain experience against Full Member countries.
- Support cricket's growth in developing markets around the world.
Olympic Cricket Adds Momentum
The return of cricket to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games after a gap of 128 years has further strengthened the case for expanding international competitions.
With Olympic participation expected to attract new audiences and encourage investment in developing cricket nations, many believe a larger T20 World Cup would complement the sport's growing global profile.
An expanded tournament could also help emerging teams gain more high-level international experience ahead of future Olympic competitions.
What a 32-Team World Cup Could Mean
Although the immediate focus is on a 24-team tournament, the ICC's long-term vision reportedly includes a 32-team T20 World Cup.
Such an expansion could:
- Make the tournament one of the largest global sporting events.
- Introduce cricket to new regions and audiences.
- Create additional qualification opportunities for Associate Members.
- Encourage investment in cricket infrastructure across emerging nations.
- Strengthen the sport's worldwide popularity.
Final Take
The ICC's reported plans to expand the Men's T20 World Cup represent a major step toward making international cricket more inclusive. While a 24-team format appears to be the next realistic phase, the governing body's long-term ambition of a 32-team tournament reflects its commitment to growing the game beyond its traditional powerhouses. If implemented, the expansion could provide more opportunities for emerging nations and help accelerate cricket's global development in the years ahead.
