Cricket Scotland and the Royal Dutch Cricket Association (KNCB) have voiced their concerns over the ICC’s decision to alter the Men’s ODI World Cup format.
According to the statement, the two boards have met the ICC twice and sought official written communication on the changes.
However, the boards have claimed that there has been no response from the ICC for more than two weeks since the second meeting, calling it disappointing and disrespectful.
Considered the changes as a setback to Associate members, the statement said that the new format will ‘risk undermining the progress made in recent years to grow the global game.’
“At a time when cricket is seeking to expand its reach, attract new audiences and strengthen its position on the international sporting landscape, reducing meaningful opportunities for emerging nations sends the wrong message entirely,” the statement said.
The Boards also said that significant decisions, specifically those directly affecting Associate members, should be considered with them and provide ‘sufficient notice’ so that the implications are best understood.
“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.”
“Members and their players invest years in preparing for World Cups, and confidence in those pathways depends on them not changing partway through a qualification cycle without consultation.”
“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.
As per the proposed new format, introduced last month, the number of participation teams has been increased to 14 (rather than 10).
However, the format also consists of four rounds with a round-robin ‘super series’ preceding the group stage.
Out of rankings 12, 13 and 14, two will progress to round 2, eliminating one team immediately.
Both the Netherlands and Scotland have advanced to the World Cup Qualifier, which is set to be played in February 2027.
Meanwhile, the Netherlands and Scotland cricket boards will be expecting a response from the Sports governing body (ICC).
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