Netherlands Batter Max O’Dowd has criticised the International Cricket Council‘s revised pathway to the 2027 ODI World Cup, arguing that Associate nations now face an increasingly complicated route to reach cricket’s biggest global event.
O’Dowd voiced his frustration after the ICC confirmed changes to the tournament structure during its Annual Conference in Edinburgh, where the governing body approved new formats for future men’s ODI and T20 World Cups.
Taking to X, O’Dowd questioned the number of qualification stages Associate teams must navigate before earning a place at the World Cup.
“So you’re telling me, associate sides have to play in a 3-year 50-over tournament, to qualify for a qualifier to qualify for another tri-series qualifier to then qualify for a World Cup,” O’Dowd wrote on X.
So you’re telling me, associate sides have to play in a 3 year 50 over tournament, to qualify for a qualifier to qualify for another tri-series qualifier to then qualify for a World Cup. https://t.co/DzdlqS0tZG
— Maxwell O'Dowd (@Maxiboi23) July 15, 2026
New format introduces additional stages
As previously reported by cricexec, the 2027 ODI World Cup, which will be hosted by South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe, will remain a 14-team tournament but will adopt a new three-stage competition designed to increase the importance of every match from the opening phase.
Under the revised format, teams ranked 12th, 13th and 14th will first compete in a round-robin Super Series, with only the top side progressing to the next stage.
That qualifying team will then join the remaining 11 sides in Round Two, where two groups of six teams will be formed. The top three teams from each group, along with the highest-ranked remaining side across both groups, will advance to the Super Seven stage before the top four teams progress to the semi-finals.
Associate pathway comes under scrutiny
O’Dowd’s comments reflect wider concerns among Associate nations over the increasing number of qualification hurdles required to reach ICC global events, despite the governing body’s continued emphasis on expanding the international game.
As per the ICC, the revised tournament formats are intended to create more meaningful contests, strengthen the competitive structure of both events and enhance the experience for players and supporters.
The format changes were approved by the ICC Board following recommendations from the Chief Executives’ Committee, with the new structure set to be introduced for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
