The cricket boards of Scotland and the Netherlands have expressed strong dissatisfaction with the revamped format of the upcoming 50-over World Cup, stating that the changes pose a threat to the sport's global integrity and credibility. The International Cricket Council's decision to introduce a preliminary round, where only one team will advance to the group stage, has been met with disapproval.
This new format, announced less than 18 months before the tournament, has sparked concerns among emerging nations about reduced opportunities for participation. In a joint statement, Cricket Scotland and the Royal Dutch Cricket Association (KNCB) emphasized that this move contradicts cricket's goal of expanding its global reach and attracting new fans. They argued that the changes undermine the sport's integrity and highlight the need for improved governance, transparency, and member engagement. Both Scotland and the Netherlands, currently ranked 13th and 14th in the men's ODI rankings, respectively, have reiterated their commitment to collaboratively strengthening the global game with the ICC and other members.