The World Cricketers' Association (WCA) has expressed concern over the format for the 2027 men's 50-over World Cup, warning the structure raises "questions about transparency, consultation and the game's long-term commitment to global growth". The tournament begins with 14 teams but only 12 reach the main group stage, with the three lowest-ranked qualifiers contesting a first round where just one progresses.

The remaining teams form two groups of six, with the top three from each plus the next-best ranked team advancing to a round-robin "super seven" stage, replacing the previous "super six". The top four then reach the semi-finals. The WCA argues this "falls short of the opportunity presented by expansion to 14 teams," noting qualification no longer guarantees a genuine campaign or matches against established nations, reducing sporting, developmental and commercial benefits for emerging markets.

The 2027 edition will be co-hosted by South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe. The 2023 World Cup featured only 10 teams; the last 14-team tournament was 2015. The ICC stated the new format "creates greater context, competitiveness and consequence." WCA chief executive Tom Moffat said it is "difficult to reconcile the game's stated ambition of growing cricket globally with decisions that reduce meaningful opportunities at pinnacle events."

Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands are currently ranked 12th, 13th and 14th. Scotland captain Richie Berrington urged meaningful player consultation: "Better decisions are made when different perspectives are brought to the table, and we're urging the game to start doing that properly."