The ICC announced structural changes for the 2027 men's 50‑over World Cup. The main event will feature 12 teams in two groups of six instead of the originally planned 14. The three lowest‑ranked qualifiers will play a preliminary three‑team Super Series, with only the winner advancing. The changes mean the likes of Scotland and the Netherlands must navigate three qualifying tournaments to reach the main stage.

Cricket Scotland and the Royal Dutch Association (KNCB) released a joint statement expressing “significant concerns” about the impact of these changes and the process by which they were introduced. They warned that the alterations risk weakening the integrity and credibility of international cricket, underscoring the need for strong governance, transparent decision‑making and effective engagement with members.

The boards criticised the short‑notice changes, citing uncertainty, planning disruption and added operational and financial pressure on organisations already working with limited resources. They called for clearer communication and a more inclusive decision‑making process from the ICC.