In a massive development, the ICC is considering to expanding the T20 World Cup 20 20 teams as per a report in ESPN Cricinfo. Cricinfo further said that the 2021 edition will be played with 16 teams while the 2024 edition will see 20 teams fight it out for the much-coveted T20 title. The T20 World Cup is scheduled to be held in October-November but there is uncertainty over India hosting the tournament due to the deadly second wave of Covid-19 ravaging the country.

Additionally, there is also speculation over the possibility of the ICC expanding the number of teams participating in the 50-over World Cup. The  50-Over World Cup had been reduced to 10 teams from 14 in 2019 with the argument that broadcasters would prefer lesser participation to reduce one-sided matches. The ICC have already confirmed their plans to increase the number of teams in their women’s competitions. as well.

This is also likely to involve an increased number of teams (from 10 to 14) in the 50-over World Cup, a more positive attitude towards participation in the Olympics and talk of a return of the Intercontinental Cup.

ICC Willing To Expand Teams For T20 World Cup

All these subjects have been discussed in recent Chief Executives’ Committee (CEC) meetings and, though no firm decisions have been taken, there has been a notably more positive appreciation of the benefits of this expansion from the more powerful Full Member countries.

Indeed, it is understood that the subject of the Olympics was raised at a recent CEC meeting by the ECB’s Tom Harrison. The BCCI have also recently signalled their desire for involvement, albeit with the caveat that they will not tolerate interference from the Indian Olympic Association.

Meanwhile, the entire international cricket calendar has been again disrupted by the second wave of COVID-19. The BCCI had to suspend the IPL 2021 midway due to rise in COVID cases in the country. Various boards are anxious about how to carry forward the rest of the schedule with lot of cricket lined up to be played.

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