- 2023 World Cup retains the 10-team round-robin format, with 45 thrilling matches.
- 2019 World Cup showcased the forgiving nature of the format, as slow-starting Pakistan almost made it to the semis.
- Major changes on the horizon for the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup, making 2023 the last edition in this format.
The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 is set to maintain the familiar format of the previous edition, ensuring that all ten participating teams will engage in a round-robin battle, as announced in an ICC press release on a recent Saturday. However, this event marks the end of an era, as the 2027 edition will see the introduction of a new format. For now, though, fans can savor the anticipation of 45 thrilling encounters during the group stage, leading up to the selection of the four semi-finalists.
In 2019, this format kicked off with an electrifying clash between England and South Africa at The Oval, where the home team secured a victorious start en route to their maiden ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup triumph. The beauty of this round-robin setup lay in its forgiveness, where a sluggish beginning didn’t necessarily spell doom for a team’s aspirations. Pakistan, for instance, started slowly in 2019, managing just one win in their first five matches. However, their resurgence saw them clinch four consecutive victories, narrowly missing out on semi-final qualification due to net run-rate.
The International Cricket Council’s plans for the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup are poised for transformation, making the 2023 edition the swan song for the 10-team group stage. The ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023, slated to commence in India on October 5, will follow the established format of group stage matches, pitting all ten teams against each other, culminating in 45 riveting contests to determine the semi-finalists.
Harking back to 2019, England and South Africa inaugurated the tournament at The Oval, with England ultimately claiming the championship. The group stage extended over six weeks, offering teams the leeway to recover from early setbacks. Pakistan’s sluggish start, with just one victory in their initial five matches, didn’t prevent them from making a late surge that nearly secured a semi-final berth, but net run-rate dashed their hopes.
Australia and India, with seven wins out of nine, secured semi-final berths, while England and New Zealand discovered their peak form to join the semi-final fray. The first semi-final featured India and New Zealand, where Martin Guptill’s remarkable fielding skills played a pivotal role in New Zealand’s 18-run victory.
In the second semi-final, England avenged their earlier defeat to Australia in the group stage, securing a spot in the final, marking their return to the championship match after 1992. The final, a riveting contest, saw hosts England and New Zealand both score 241 runs, leading to a Super Over. England emerged triumphant, clinching the title based on boundary count.
The excitement is building once again as England and New Zealand gear up to commence their World Cup 2023 campaign on October 5 at Narendra Modi Stadium after the warm-up games. Cricket enthusiasts eagerly await another epic chapter in the storied history of the World Cup.
