Dubai – The International Cricket Council (ICC) has indicated plans to expand the T20 World Cup format in future editions following the 2026 tournament. The developments emerged during the ICC’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) this week, with early discussions revolving around growing the number of participating teams from 20 to as many as 24 in upcoming editions.
Although no immediate change is expected for the T20 World Cup 2026, which is scheduled to be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka, ICC insiders suggest the expansion will likely take effect from the 2028 edition onward.
“The discussions at the AGM were constructive. The ICC is committed to globalizing the game, and increasing participation at marquee events is a major step in that direction,” said an official familiar with the proceedings.
This potential shift follows the ICC’s recent decision to include cricket in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where both men’s and women’s T20 formats will be contested. The momentum behind cricket’s globalization is clearly accelerating.
Expansion: Why Now?
Since the successful expansion of the 2024 T20 World Cup to 20 teams, there’s been a growing appetite among Full Members and Associates for broader inclusion. The move aims to:
- Enhance global competitiveness
- Boost Associate nation exposure
- Drive commercial value across emerging markets
Cricket boards from North America, Europe, and Africa have reportedly backed the initiative, noting its potential to energize the sport’s growth beyond its traditional base.
Impact on T20 World Cup 2026
For your readers tracking every detail of the T20 World Cup 2026, it’s important to note that the upcoming tournament will retain the current 20-team structure. Qualification pathways and hosting duties remain unchanged.
However, the 2026 edition will now serve as a critical benchmark for evaluating whether the format is ripe for expansion. Analysts suggest that if viewership, logistics, and match competitiveness meet expectations, the ICC Board will greenlight an expanded edition in 2028 or 2030.
What to Watch For
With the T20 World Cup 2026 just over a year away, here’s what fans and stakeholders should monitor:
- Performance of Associate Nations in 2026 – key to justifying expansion
- Fan engagement metrics from new cricketing markets
- ICC’s formal announcement expected in early 2026
Editorial Insight
This move aligns with the ICC’s broader strategy of “making cricket a truly global sport.” Expansion of the T20 format—arguably the most accessible and fastest-growing form of the game—could reshape cricket’s global landscape by the end of the decade.
As we move closer to the T20 World Cup 2026, hosted in South Asia, these strategic discussions signal that the sport’s center of gravity may soon include new nations and new fans across continents.
