Cricket's Big Reset: ICC Planning a New Future for the Global Game?

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is weighing the most far-reaching overhaul of international cricket in a long, long time, as it looks to future-proof the sport in an era dominated by franchise leagues. From shorter ODIs and an expanded World Test Championship to a World Club T20 Championship and fixed international windows, the proposals could redefine cricket's global calendar. Nothing has been approved yet, but the discussions, as per news reports, offer a glimpse into what the next decade of cricket could look like.

 

Are ODIs still relevant? A huge makeover in the works?

 

• The traditional 50-over format could shrink to 30-40 overs per side, creating shorter, faster and more broadcast-friendly contests.
• Bilateral ODIs may be restricted largely to the 18 months preceding an ODI World Cup, giving the format greater purpose.
• The objective is to preserve the relevance of ODI cricket while reducing calendar congestion.
• The 50-over World Cup itself is not under threat for the moment, and will remain the format's flagship event.

 

A Bigger, Stronger World Test Championship?

 

• The ICC is considering expanding the WTC from nine to all 12 Full Members, bringing Ireland, Afghanistan and Zimbabwe into the fold.
• Standalone Test matches could also earn WTC points, allowing smaller nations to compete without lengthy series.
• A two-tier Test structure with promotion and relegation is also on the table to create more competitive cricket. This was something that had been discussed earlier as well. A two-tier Test structure is in fact one of the ICC's oldest reform ideas.
• The aim is to make Test cricket more inclusive without diluting its quality.

 

A Structured Global Calendar

• Dedicated annual windows for Tests, ODIs and T20Is are being explored to reduce clashes with franchise leagues.
• The move would provide greater certainty for players, broadcasters and cricket boards while easing workload concerns.
• It would also create a more predictable international calendar across formats.

 

A World Cup for Franchise Champions?

 

• The ICC wants to revive the club-versus-club concept through a World Club T20 Championship.
• Champions from the ETPL, IPL, BBL, PSL, SA20, ILT20, The Hundred, CPL, MLC and other leading leagues could compete for a global club title.
• The proposal is effectively a modern, ICC-backed successor to the Champions League T20.
• Commercial agreements and scheduling remain the biggest hurdles.

 

 

Why the ICC Is Thinking Big

 

• Franchise leagues now dominate the cricket economy, forcing international cricket to compete for players, audiences and broadcast revenues.
• Outside marquee rivalries, many bilateral series struggle to attract sustained interest.
• The ICC's objective is not to replace international cricket, but to rebuild its relevance through a more streamlined and commercially sustainable calendar.
• The strategic review is being undertaken with consultancy support from McKinsey & Company, with recommendations expected to shape the post-2031 landscape.

 

No Rush: Major Changes Likely Only After 2031

 

• Even if member boards approve the proposals, most reforms are unlikely to take effect before 2031.
• The current Future Tours Programme (FTP), ICC event cycle and major bilateral commitments are largely locked in until then, leaving little room for structural changes.
• In effect, the ICC is planning for cricket's next global cycle, not the current one.

 

The Bottom Line

• If adopted, these proposals would amount to the biggest restructuring of world cricket since the advent of T20 cricket.
• Shorter ODIs, a more inclusive WTC, fixed international windows, a global franchise championship and stronger regional competitions all point in one direction: a leaner, more purposeful and commercially sustainable future for the game.
• The transformation may still be several years away, but the blueprint for cricket's next era is already taking shape.