NZ Cricket in support of ICC tournament changes
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The International Cricket Council (ICC) has this confirmed enhancements to the format structure for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2028 to be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
The new structure maintains the original 20-team format with 55 matches, while creating more meaningful matches throughout the event with the revamped Super 10 phase of the tournament.
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The enhancement of the format structure promises to expand the representation of emerging teams and strengthen the value proposition for host cities, venues, fans, broadcast audiences and commercial partners.
Under the enhanced format, five groups of four teams will comprise the Group Stage, with the top two teams from each group progressing to the revamped Super 10 stage.
The Super 10s will feature two pools of five teams, with the top team in each pool progressing directly to the semifinals
The second and third placed finishing teams in each pool will face-off in Elimination Finals, with the winners progressing to the Semi Finals.
The Semi Final and Final stages remain unchanged.
New Zealand Cricket CEO Geoff Allott said the enhanced format marked an exciting step forward for a tournament already generating significant momentum.
"This is an exciting evolution of the tournament and reinforces the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2028 as one of the premier global sporting events on the calendar," said Allott.
"The revised format builds on the excitement and unpredictability that makes T20 cricket so compelling, while ensuring every stage of the tournament delivers memorable moments for players, fans and host communities.
"New Zealand is incredibly proud to be co-hosting the tournament alongside Australia, and we look forward to welcoming teams and supporters from around the world for what promises to be an unforgettable celebration of our game."
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2028 Chief Executive Officer Joel Morrison said the enhanced format would support a world-class event across Australia and New Zealand.
“The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2028 will bring the world’s best teams and players to Australia and New Zealand for a spectacular celebration of the game's most explosive format,” said Morrison.
“The enhanced format sees each match carrying genuine consequence, providing fans, host cities, and venue, broadcast and commercial partners an even stronger tournament proposition.
"There is very strong interest in event, with 14 prospective host cities across Australia and New Zealand vying to secure matches.
“The tournament will feature between eight and ten venues, with host cities and venues to be confirmed in mid-October, marking two years to go until the World Cup."