THE INTERNATIONAL CRICKET COUNCIL (ICC) is preparing for a significant expansion of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, with the tournament expected to increase from 20 to 24 teams by 2032 and potentially as early as the 2030 edition.
The move forms part of the governing body’s long-term strategy to broaden cricket’s global footprint, with the ultimate ambition of creating a 32-team T20 World Cup that would place the sport alongside football and rugby in terms of global participation, a report in The Telegraph said.
Discussions on expanding the competition have gathered momentum within the ICC, with member boards broadly supportive of increasing the number of participating nations. While no final decision has been announced, the proposal is expected to be considered as part of the ICC’s next global events cycle beginning in 2032. The expansion could, however, be brought forward to the 2030 tournament if logistical and commercial conditions permit.
The proposed increase follows the successful expansion of the 2024 and 2026 Men’s T20 World Cups to 20 teams, a move that brought emerging cricket nations such as the United States, Uganda, Canada and others onto the global stage. The larger tournament has been widely viewed as a success, delivering greater geographical representation while maintaining strong broadcast audiences and commercial interest.
Under the proposed 24-team format, the ICC would create additional qualification opportunities for Associate Members, allowing more emerging cricket nations to compete at the highest level. The governing body believes increased participation will accelerate cricket’s development in non-traditional markets, particularly following the sport’s return to the Olympic Games at Los Angeles 2028.
The long-term objective of a 32-team T20 World Cup reflects the ICC’s ambition to position cricket as a truly global sport. Expanding the tournament would significantly increase representation from Europe, the Americas, Africa and East Asia, regions identified as strategic growth markets for the game.
Commercial considerations are also driving the proposal. A larger tournament would generate additional inventory for broadcasters, sponsors and host nations through more matches, expanded media rights and increased ticket sales. The ICC has enjoyed record commercial growth in recent years, with T20 cricket emerging as the primary driver of global fan engagement and broadcasting revenues.
The expansion is expected to benefit Associate Member nations, many of whom have argued that greater access to ICC events is essential for securing government funding, attracting sponsorship and improving domestic cricket structures. Participation in World Cups often serves as a catalyst for infrastructure investment and grassroots development in emerging cricket markets.
