ICC chief executive David Richardson is satisfied with the current format of the World T20 but said he would like to see the inclusion of two more teams in the first and second rounds in future competitions.
“I think, the format itself works. Whether we promoted those first round matches well enough, that is a question we need to answer at a later stage and review it,” Richardson told Cricket Radio ahead of the World T20 finals of the men’s and women’s teams.
“The format has worked in that all the matches, first round and second round, it is designed to create even contests between the teams and to that extent it has worked exceptionally well,” he added.
“Whether we move to perhaps increasing the size of the tournament by adding one or two teams, or one team to each group in that first round, I think if we can do that, number one, we will provide more opportunities to other teams but, number two, if you do lose two matches, you have still got a chance in a group of five whereas, in a group of four, you are dead and buried,” quipped the former Protea wicketkeeper.
“That might be useful and then even maybe increasing, instead of having a Super 10 have a Super 12 maybe which will again increase the number of matches but, I think, it will give more opportunities for the Associate members to participate in the second round of the tournament itself,” he elaborated.
The ICC chief executive further said that a four-year gap between two editions of the World T20 and a 10-team 2019 World Cup are being planned keeping in mind the “financial health” of all the formats at ICC events and that, all members will benefit financially, regardless of their participation.
“The danger of course is that if we keep pushing T20 and keep playing T20 events every two years, it will effectively cannibalise the other two,” Richardson said.
