​Explained: New T20 World Cup format as ICC plans to expand the global competition originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.New stages have been introduced in the T20 World Cup.The number of teams competing in the second stage of the tournament has been increased from 8 to 10Additional eliminators to enhance the consequences until the final stage of the tournamentThe International Cricket Council has approved the most significant overhaul of its flagship men’s tournament in years, reshaping the structure of the T20 World Cup.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe changes are designed to inject greater competitiveness and consequence into every stage of the tournament. The team number effectively remains unchanged, but the routes to the semifinals have been comprehensively redrawn.The reforms arrive at a pivotal moment for the global game, with cricket returning to the Olympics at Los Angeles 2028 and the ICC keen to broaden the sport’s appeal in new and emerging markets worldwide.MORE: World Club T20: ICC’s reported plans for T20 franchise tournament and FTP challenges detailedThe ICC Men’s T20 World Cup will continue to feature 20 teams but undergo an equally substantial redesign. The first round will now comprise five groups of four teams, replacing the previous four groups of five, with the top two from each advancing. Those ten sides enter a new Super 10 stage, split into two groups of five.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe group winners qualify directly for the semifinals, while the second and third-placed teams from opposite groups contest two eliminators for the two remaining semifinal berths. That Eliminator concept is the standout addition, introducing knockout jeopardy earlier in the competition.It ensures that finishing at the top of a Super 10 group carries a tangible reward, while still offering a safety net to the next best-placed teams.MORE: ‘Not ready for international cricket’: Indian fans left frustrated with SooryavanshiThe Board also endorsed a proposed 16-team global tournament for associate members, conceived as a precursor to the T20 World Cup. Final approval remains subject to a review by the ICC’s Finance and Commercial Affairs Committee in November.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe qualification pathway for the 2028 T20 World Cup was confirmed, too. Scotland enters directly into the Europe Regional Final, while the remaining non-qualifiers from the 2026 edition advance to the Global Qualifier, with eight further teams progressing through regional tournaments.For all the latest cricket news, opinion, and commentary and to share your voice, head to our Facebook, Instagram, and X (Twitter) pages.