The International Cricket Council is planning to increase the number of teams in the men's T20 World Cup to 20. There are currently 16 teams in the T20 World Cup the next edition of which will take place in Australia this July. The ICC views the T20 format as the best way to increase the reach of sport, is mulling the option as a way for cricket to try and match the popularity of sports like football and basketball.
The plan is also a part of the broader discussion for the shape of international cricket calendar from 2023-2031. The first T20 World Cup in this cycle is scheduled for 2024. The ICC had earlier put forward a proposal to organise a flagship event every year as a plan to enter the global media rights market and the bigger T20 World Cup will increase viewership. Meanwhile a bigger tournament will also increase the likelihood of the participation of USA. A market where ICC has recently made several attempts to spread the sport. Other teams that could take part are Canada, Germany, Nepal, and Nigeria.
The ICC is looking at two options for the format if the tournament expands to 20 teams. One of the options is the current two tier format used in the T20 World Cup with lower ranked teams playing the qualifiers to reach the main draw which includes top countries. The second possibility could be four groups of five teams each with the top sides from each group progressing to the knockout stage.The ICC is carrying out several discussions about the future of the sport, including shortening of five-day Test matches to four days.
