Cricket Scotland and the Royal Dutch Cricket Association (KNCB) have criticised the International Cricket Council (ICC) for making a significant change to the 2027 Men’s ODI World Cup format with less than 18 months left before the tournament. The two Associate Members have questioned both the timing of the decision and the lack of consultation before the revised structure was introduced.
The ICC announced last month that a new Super Series stage would be added to the qualification pathway. The teams finishing 12th, 13th and 14th would compete in a three-team series, with only the winner advancing to the second stage of the World Cup. The next phase will feature 12 teams divided into two groups. For Scotland and the Netherlands, however, the bigger concern is not simply the new format but the way the decision was handled.
Boards frustrated by lack of ICC response
Following the announcement, Cricket Scotland, the KNCB and other Associate Members held two meetings with the ICC. They sought formal written communication regarding the changes and asked for greater clarity on the process behind the decision. However, the two boards said they have heard nothing further from the ICC since their second meeting more than two weeks ago. In a joint statement, they described the lack of communication as ‘disappointing and disrespectful’, highlighting the importance of the matter for Associate nations. The boards also warned that the decision could undermine the progress made by smaller cricketing nations.
“These changes represent a setback to Associate Member cricket and risk undermining the progress made in recent years to grow the global game,” the joint statement read.
They argued that the sport’s ambition to expand globally needs to be supported by meaningful opportunities for emerging teams rather than reduced pathways to major tournaments.
Timing of format change questioned
Scotland and the Netherlands have particularly strong reservations about the timing of the announcement. The revised structure was introduced while the existing qualification cycle was approaching its conclusion, leaving affected teams with limited time to respond.
USA, Scotland, Netherlands and Oman have secured places in the ODI World Cup Qualifier, while Namibia, Canada, Nepal and the United Arab Emirates have progressed to the eight-team World Cup Qualifier Play-off. The top four teams from the play-off will then enter the global qualifier in February 2027. The boards believe altering the pathway midway through the process creates uncertainty for teams that have already made substantial financial and operational commitments.
“Changing those structures at short notice creates significant uncertainty, disrupts planning, and places additional operational and financial pressure on organisations that are already operating with limited resources,” the statement added.
They also stressed that World Cup qualification is about much more than simply securing a place in a tournament. For Associate nations, reaching the global stage can attract investment, sponsors, government backing and greater interest from supporters.
Scotland and Netherlands call for greater consultation
The two boards have also asked the ICC to improve its decision-making process and provide Associate Members with greater access to discussions involving Full Members. They believe decisions of this magnitude should involve meaningful consultation and sufficient notice, particularly when they directly affect teams already involved in a qualification cycle.
“The changes risk weakening the integrity and credibility of international cricket, and only highlight the importance of strong governance, transparent decision-making and effective engagement with Members,” the statement added further.
The issue has also drawn criticism from players. The captains of Scotland, the Netherlands and Namibia previously expressed their concerns about the revised structure in a statement issued through the World Cricketers’ Association. Despite their criticism, Cricket Scotland and the KNCB have reiterated that they remain willing to work with the ICC and other members to find a constructive way forward.
