ODI and WTC future revealed after latest ICC meeting

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is working to manage the different cricket formats. In the latest ICC meeting, there were key discussions on the future of the different cricket formats, and the future of the ODI and World Test Championship has been clarified, as the working committee is set to work on these. 

Last week, the ICC held its quarterly meeting in Dubai. Former New Zealand cricketer Roger Twose-led working group addressed the issues over cricket's three formats and also provided recommendations to the ICC board and Chief Executives' Committee (CEC).

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Next WTC cycle strategy

The potential two-tier World Test Championship talk is in the bin now, as the ESPNcricinfo report suggests that the next WTC cycle can see all 12 Test-playing nations. The ongoing WTC cycle (2025-2027) is the fourth WTC cycle, where nine teams participate. While the next WTC cycle will run between 2027 and 2029, the 12 teams are likely to participate after the massive unsupported for the potential two-tier WTC system. 

So, Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, and Ireland are likely to be part of the next WTC cycle, which is likely to begin in July 2027. However, the number of minimum matches and series for each team hasn't been decided yet. Also, there is unlikely to be any extra funding for hosting a Test match, which can be a massive issue for the lower-status Test teams, including Ireland. 

ODI Super League revival

Meanwhile, to make the One-Day International format great again, the ICC is thinking of reviving the ODI Super League. It has experienced only once, with 13 teams participating in the 2020-2023 ICC ODI Super League, which played an important role in the direct qualification for the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023. Unlike the present or previous direct ODI World Cup qualification model, which only considers the ODI ranking, the ODI Super League provided better and fairer chances to all participating teams to achieve the direct qualification for the ODI World Cup. However, the number of teams for the next ICC ODI Super League is yet to be confirmed, as it can only begin in 2028.