R Ashwin Advocates for Greater Inclusion of Emerging Teams in Cricket Formats

New Delhi, India Jul 16, 2026 ALN: Indian spin great R Ashwin on Thursday expressed that the recent structural changes made to the ODI and T20 World Cup formats to include more teams are a positive step. However, he believes that for cricket to truly become a global sport, the International Cricket Council (ICC) must incorporate lower-ranked teams into every bilateral series.

Following the revamp announced by the ICC on Wednesday, the 2027 ODI World Cup will adopt a three-stage competition format, while the 2028 T20 World Cup's Super 8 phase will expand to accommodate 10 teams, aiming for "greater context and consequence" in the tournaments. This move has been perceived as an effort to enhance the competitiveness of international cricket, ensuring that more teams have the opportunity to compete at a higher level.

Ashwin stated that while the ICC is heading in the right direction, there is still more work to be done. He shared his thoughts on 'X': "The ICC's changes to the fixture format for the 2027 ODI World Cup and 2028 T20 World Cup make sense from a competitiveness standpoint. But if the final goal is to grow the game, there needs to be a stronger pathway for emerging nations." This highlights a growing consensus among players and analysts that the future of cricket lies in its ability to nurture talent from lesser-known cricketing nations.

He highlighted that teams like the Netherlands, Scotland, Nepal, USA, and Ireland require more meaningful matches, suggesting they should be included as the third team in every bilateral series rather than just participating in qualification tournaments. This suggestion aligns with the broader goal of fostering a more inclusive environment within the sport, where emerging teams can gain valuable experience and exposure against higher-ranked opponents.

Ashwin further emphasized, "Let's not forget, that collective growth will make this sport a spectacle at the Olympics," reinforcing the need for a more inclusive approach. The potential inclusion of cricket in future Olympic Games could provide a significant boost to the sport's global appeal, but this is contingent on the ICC's commitment to developing cricket in emerging markets.

His views resonate with the demands for more significant games from teams like Nepal and Scotland, who demonstrated their potential in the T20 World Cup earlier this year. These teams have shown that they possess the skill and determination to compete on the world stage, and providing them with more opportunities could elevate the overall standard of international cricket.

The 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa will feature 14 teams, an increase from the 10 in the previous edition. The governing body has introduced a Super Series round prior to the 'Group round' and a Super 7 stage before the semifinals to enhance the competition's excitement. This expanded format aims to ensure that more teams are involved in meaningful matches, thereby increasing the stakes and interest in the tournament.

Teams qualifying 12th to 14th for the tournament will compete in the Super Series round, with the top finisher advancing to the second round, where six teams will be divided into two groups. This structure is designed to give lower-ranked teams a chance to compete against higher-ranked nations, thus providing them with invaluable experience and exposure.

The top three teams from each group, along with the next highest-placed team across both groups, will qualify for the Super 7 stage, replacing the previously planned Super 6 format. This change reflects a strategic decision by the ICC to ensure that the tournament remains competitive and engaging for fans, while also allowing for a broader range of teams to showcase their talents.

For the T20 showpiece in Australia and New Zealand in 2028, the ICC has opted for a Super 10 format instead of Super 8 after the Group stage. This decision is indicative of the ICC's commitment to increasing the number of competitive matches as well as ensuring that the tournament remains dynamic and exciting for audiences around the world.

Five groups of four teams will be formed, with the top two from each group entering the Super 10. Unlike the previous edition, where the top two teams from each Super 8 group advanced to the semifinals, only the group winner will qualify for the last four. This change is expected to heighten the intensity of the group stages and ensure that every match has significant implications for the teams involved.

Teams finishing second in their groups will compete in an eliminator against the teams placed third in the opposite group, adding another layer of competition. This format is designed to keep fans engaged and invested in the outcomes of matches, as the stakes are raised for teams vying for a spot in the semifinals.

The implications of these changes are far-reaching. By increasing the number of teams and introducing more competitive structures, the ICC is not only promoting inclusivity but also enhancing the overall quality of cricket on the international stage. This shift could lead to more thrilling matches, greater fan engagement, and ultimately a stronger global cricketing community.

In conclusion, R Ashwin's advocacy for greater inclusion of emerging teams in cricket reflects a broader desire within the sport to ensure that it grows and evolves. As the ICC implements these changes, the focus on nurturing talent from lower-ranked nations will be crucial in making cricket a truly global sport. The success of these initiatives will depend on the collective commitment of the cricketing community to embrace change and foster an environment where all teams can thrive.

Cricket, often referred to as a religion in countries like India, has a rich history and a passionate following. However, its growth has been uneven across different regions. While nations like India, Australia, and England have established themselves as cricketing powerhouses, many emerging nations struggle for recognition and resources. The ICC's recent changes aim to bridge this gap, but the real challenge lies in the execution of these ideas.

The inclusion of more teams in major tournaments is a step in the right direction, but it is essential to ensure that these teams are not just participants but are also competitive. The experience gained from playing against stronger teams is invaluable and could significantly improve their performance in international cricket. Moreover, the visibility gained from participating in high-stakes matches can inspire a new generation of players in these countries, potentially leading to a cricketing renaissance in regions where the sport is still developing.

Furthermore, the dynamics of global cricket are changing. With the rise of T20 leagues, the landscape is becoming more commercialized, and the traditional formats are adapting to maintain relevance. This shift presents both challenges and opportunities for emerging teams. On one hand, they may struggle to attract sponsorships and media attention compared to established teams; on the other hand, they have the chance to showcase their talent on a larger stage and potentially attract investment and interest from cricketing nations.

In light of these developments, Ashwin's call for greater inclusion is not just about fairness; it is about the future of the sport. Ensuring that emerging teams have a seat at the table will enrich the game and create a more diverse and competitive environment. This diversity could lead to unexpected outcomes in tournaments, making cricket even more exciting for fans around the world.

As the ICC moves forward with these changes, it will be crucial to monitor their impact on the game. The cricketing community must remain vigilant and proactive in supporting initiatives that promote inclusivity and sustainability. Only then can cricket truly claim to be a global sport that reflects the diversity of its fan base and participants.

Ultimately, the vision shared by Ashwin and others advocating for these changes must be embraced by all stakeholders, including players, coaches, administrators, and fans. A collective effort to uplift emerging teams will not only enhance the quality of cricket but also ensure that the sport continues to thrive and evolve in the years to come.