Short ODIs to WTC expansion, ICC explores major changes:Cricket body mulls over sport rejig in AGM 2026 meet

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is considering several major changes to the future of international cricket. The ideas will be discussed during the ICC Annual General Meeting in Edinburgh, where representatives from the 12 full member nations are meeting. Although the plans are still in the early stages, the ICC wants to find ways to protect all three formats of the game. The discussions are part of a long-term strategic review being carried out by global consulting firm McKinsey. Fixed windows and shorter ODI format under As per The Guardian report, one of the key ideas being discussed is to create fixed windows for each format of the game. For example, ODI cricket could mainly be played during the 18 months leading up to a 50-over World Cup, while other periods of the calendar could be reserved for Test cricket or T20Is. The ICC is also considering reducing the length of ODI matches, although no final decision has been taken. The aim is to make the format more attractive for fans and easier to fit into the crowded cricket calendar. ICC looking at long-term future after finalising next year schedule The current Future Tours Programme (FTP) has already been finalised until next year, while major ICC events and important bilateral series involving England, India and Australia have been scheduled until 2031. This means any major changes to the international calendar are unlikely to happen before then. Instead of focusing only on the World Test Championship (WTC), the ICC now wants to build a complete structure that supports all three formats equally over the long term. More multi-team tournaments could be introduced The ICC is also exploring the possibility of adding more multi-team competitions instead of increasing the number of World Cups. Bilateral series between smaller cricket nations often attract limited commercial interest, so multi-nation events are being seen as a better option. One proposal is to introduce continental championships similar to the Asia Cup on a regular basis. Such tournaments could feature teams from the same region competing more frequently and help increase fan interest. World Club Championship back on the table Another proposal being discussed is the launch of a World Club Championship for T20 franchise teams from different leagues around the world. A similar event, the Champions League T20, was jointly organised by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Cricket Australia and Cricket South Africa between 2009 and 2014. However, the tournament ended after six editions because it failed to generate enough commercial success. WTC team expansion plans and challenges Any attempt by the ICC to take greater control of bilateral or multi-nation series could face opposition from England, India and Australia, as these boards prefer to manage their own schedules and revenues. However, the idea of fixed international windows is expected to receive wider support, including from players. The World Cricketers’ Association had also recommended such windows in a report released last year. The ICC AGM will also discuss expanding the World Test Championship from nine to 12 teams for the 2027-29 cycle. Ireland, Zimbabwe and Afghanistan could join the competition if one-off Test matches are allowed to earn WTC points. A final decision on the future format of the World Test Championship is expected in November.