Mumbai: ICC is going to completely change the format of One Day World Cup (ODI World Cup). The governing body of world cricket is going to give a big surprise in the format.

In 2027, the Men’s ODI World Cup will be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. There will be a tournament of 14 teams. A Super Series round is inserted before the group stage. The semi-finals will be preceded by a Super Seven episode. All in all, the attitude will change completely.

ICC announced the new schedule for the World Cup on Wednesday. After the ICC’s annual conference in Edinburgh. 11 teams will be decided in advance in the main stage. The 12th, 13th and 14th teams will play in the Super Series. From there the winning team will advance to the main stage as the twelfth team.

12 teams will be divided into two groups of 6 in the main stage. The top three teams from each of the two groups and the best fourth team from both groups will qualify for the Super Sevens. From there, the top four teams will go to the semi-finals.

Earlier, the World Cup was held in 2019 and 2023 with 10 countries each. However, it was decided in 2021 that the 2027 tournament will be held with 14 teams. However, the addition of the Super Series before the group stage means that the top 12 teams will play in the main stage. There will be 30 matches in the group stage. Earlier it was said that two groups of seven teams will be made and from there six teams will go to Super Six. Then semi-final and final.

However, many feared that it could lead to several one-sided matches. That’s why this new format. The ICC said in a statement, ‘This format is designed to enhance the quality of competition in every phase of the tournament. Super Seven is expected to be a great fight.’

However, in 2015 there were 14 teams and in 2011 there were 16 teams. Later the tournament became 10 teams. Next ICC meeting in October. It is said that the final format will be announced there. The next international sports schedule will also be published there. Initially, it is reported that South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia will host the 2027 World Cup.

Roughly, 10 teams are expected to qualify directly. The two full members are the host nations South Africa and Zimbabwe and the first eight teams in ODI banking. Banking for the period till September 2026 will be considered. The remaining four teams will be determined from the qualifying round.