ICC launches inaugural Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League
The International Cricket Council on Monday (July 27) launched the inaugural edition of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League. The Super League kicks off on July 30 at Southampton with a series between champions England and Ireland.
The primary objective of the Super League is to determine qualification for the 2023 ICC Men’s ODI Cricket World Cup. The top seven teams will automatically qualify for the event scheduled in India. 13 teams, including the 12 full ICC Members and Netherlands, will play four home and four away three-match series to complete the Super League. Netherlands have qualified by winning the 2015-17 ICC World Cricket Super League.
“We are delighted to get the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League underway with World Cup winners England against Ireland,” said Geoff Allardice, ICC General Manager – Cricket Operations.
“The league will bring relevance and context to ODI cricket over the next three years, as qualification for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 is at stake. The Super League gives cricket fans around the world even more reasons to watch as the drama of league cricket unfolds.”
“The decision last week to move the World Cup back to late 2023 gives us more time to schedule any games lost due to COVID-19 and preserve the integrity of the qualification process, meaning it will be decided on the field of play, which is important.”
“Looking forward”
In the 2019 World Cup in England, the hosts lifted their first-ever 50-over World Cup trophy after beating New Zealand in a thrilling finale.
“We’re looking forward to playing cricket again and to the ICC Men’s World Cup Super League. Given the situation, it will be quite different to the last time we played at home, when we lifted the World Cup at Lord’s, but it’s nice to be starting our journey for the next edition of the tournament,” said England World Cup-winning captain Eoin Morgan.
Further details and fixtures of the Super League will be shared after a discussion with the ICC Member Boards.
