'ICC Probably Felt The Pressure Of The Domestic T20 Leagues' : Aakash Chopra Opines On The Change In Format Of The T20 World Cup

Former Indian opening batsman Aakash Chopra has opined on ICC’s decision with regards to the global tournaments to take place from 2024 to 2031. On Tuesday, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the expansion of the global cricketing events, notably increasing the number of outfits participating in the T20 World Cups to 20. Aakash Chopra feels that the pressure of domestic T20 leagues forced the ICC to opt for such a move.

According to ICC’s calendar, the 2024-2031 cycle includes four T20 World Cups set to occur in 2024, 2026, 2028, and 2030. The apex body of the sport has expanded the number of teams in the men’s 50-over World Cup to 14 in 2027 and 2031, while an eight-team Champions Trophy tournament will return in 2025 and 2029. But the extension to 20 teams in the T20 World Cup was an eye-catching decision.

Aakash Chopra thinks that the ICC might have faced pressure of the domestic T20 leagues, which is why the World Cup will have 55 games. The 43-year old remarked that while it would be like the IPL, the fans will witness the countries competing instead of the franchises.

“The 20-over World Cup is going to have twenty teams now. ICC was probably feeling the pressure of domestic T20 leagues and because of that, the T20 World Cup is going to have 55 matches. It is as big as an IPL. So, they are trying to give a fantastic T20 league every two years. But it is not a league, but a tournament which will be played by countries and not the franchises,” Aakash told in his Youtube channel.

Whoever bids for the broadcast rights, will get four T20 World Cups: Aakash Chopra

Aakash Chopra also noted that 40 matches will make up the preliminary stage itself, followed by another twelve games in the super eights, with the semi-finals and final to come. The cricketer-turned-commentator said that whichever country bids for the broadcasting rights would be awarded four T20 World Cups.

“The 20 teams have been divided into four groups of five each. Each team will play against the other teams in the group. So, you have 40 matches here itself. The eight qualifying teams are again divided into two groups and then the semi-finals and the final. So, overall you will have 55 matches. This is going to be a lot – 2024, 2026, 2028 and 2030. Whoever bids for the broadcast rights, will get four T20 World Cups,” he added.

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