16 Teams for Windies World Cup

Fri, Sep 19, '03

The number of teams taking part in the next Cricket World Cup in 2007 is to be increased to 16, according to a report on BBC Sport. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has decided to add two extra teams but will cut the overall length of the tournament by almost two weeks.

In the 2007 competition, which is due to be staged in the West Indies (and possibly U.S.), there will be four first round groups, with the top two from each progressing to a new Super 8 second round format.

Despite the addition of two teams, the ICC said the tournament will only last 40 days - reducing it by 13 days.

According to BBC Sport, ICC president Ehsan Mani explained the increase in teams as a mission to globalise the game. "An impressive performance by associate members has prompted us to include more teams."

The ICC is also considering the introduction of a biennial Super Series which would involve the top ranked Test and one-day teams. The Super Series would feature one five-day game and three one-day internationals against a Rest of the World XI.