ICC set to expand; T20 World Cup 2028 to have 32 teams- Report

According to Forbes reports, the ICC is thinking of a huge expansion for the 2028 T20 World Cup, potentially raising the number of participating teams from 20 to 32. At the ICC Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Singapore, this exciting proposition was being discussed.

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To investigate the viability of this plan, the ICC established a six-member working committee headed by Roger Twose and comprising representatives from India, Australia, and England.

Following the submission of their report, the ICC will decide whether to increase the number of teams in the 2028 edition to 32, making it the largest cricket tournament in history.

Twenty teams will compete in a total of fifty-five matches at the upcoming Twenty20 World Cup in 2026, which India and Sri Lanka will co-host. After the teams are split up into four groups, the Super 8s, semifinals, and final will take place.

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T20 World Cup Likely To Expand In 2028 to 32 teams

The action follows the triumph of smaller countries like Italy, which just created history by earning a spot in the 2026 T20 World Cup. The ICC has been inspired to adopt a more global approach by the rise of cricket in non-traditional nations like the USA and Italy.

By 2028, adding 12 additional teams would be a significant step in the globalization of cricket. More Associate Nations, or nations where cricket is still in its infancy, would be able to participate in international competitions. Additionally, it provides supporters from all over the world with more teams to support and more exciting games to watch.

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Massive logistical issues, such as venues, hotel rooms, and transportation, will arise during a 32-team event. Currently, associate teams and full members compete in the T20 World Cups, but with the expansion, affiliate teams will also have a chance to qualify.

However, the ICC and the host nations may find it too much to handle logistically while organizing a 32-team event. Therefore, before making a decision, ICC needs to thoroughly weigh the advantages and disadvantages.

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