Defending champions Australia have urged the International Cricket Council (ICC) to increase squad sizes for the expanded 2027 ODI World Cup, with head coach Andrew McDonald arguing that larger squads will be essential to cope with the tournament's revised format and heavier workload. McDonald said the expanded competition will place greater physical demands on players, making additional squad members necessary for effective team management. The ICC recently confirmed a new format for the 2027 Men's ODI World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
The tournament will feature 14 teams, up from the 10-team format used in the 2023 edition, and introduce a revamped competition structure that includes a Super Series phase before the group stage and a Super 7 round ahead of the semi-finals. The expanded format is expected to increase the number of matches played by teams that progress deep into the tournament. McDonald believes this makes a strong case for allowing participating nations to travel with larger squads, enabling them to better manage player workloads, injuries and tactical changes throughout the competition.
Speaking about the issue, the Australia coach said greater squad depth would provide teams with the flexibility to adapt to varying playing conditions across the three host nations. Different pitches and weather conditions could require changes in team combinations, while a larger pool of players would also help cover injuries during the lengthy tournament. Australia heads into the 2027 World Cup as the defending champions after winning the 2023 tournament in India. Under the previous format, 10 teams played each other once in a round-robin league, with the top four advancing directly to the semi-finals.
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The new structure represents one of the biggest changes to the ODI World Cup in recent years and is expected to significantly alter how teams plan their campaigns. McDonald noted that managing player fitness will become increasingly important as international cricket schedules continue to grow. Larger squads, he argued, would reduce the pressure on key players and allow coaching staff to rotate personnel without compromising team performance during a demanding tournament. The proposal also reflects broader concerns among international teams about player welfare.
Modern cricket calendars feature packed schedules across all three formats, with bilateral series, ICC tournaments and franchise leagues leaving little recovery time for many leading players. Coaches and administrators have increasingly called for measures that help reduce injury risks during major events. The ICC has yet to announce the final squad-size regulations for the 2027 World Cup. Traditionally, teams have been permitted to register 15-player squads for ICC tournaments, although replacements for injured players are allowed under specific conditions. McDonald's comments may add to discussions among participating boards about whether the larger tournament should also bring greater squad flexibility.
The 2027 edition will be the first ODI World Cup hosted across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. The inclusion of 14 teams is intended to broaden global participation and provide more nations with the opportunity to compete on cricket's biggest stage. The revised format is also expected to increase the overall number of matches and extend the tournament schedule. As preparations for the World Cup gather pace, Australia's call for expanded squads is likely to be considered alongside logistical and operational planning by the ICC. With more teams, more matches and a longer competition, the governing body faces the challenge of balancing competitive fairness with player welfare as it finalises the tournament's playing conditions.
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