Cricket Scotland and the Royal Dutch Cricket Association (KNCB) have expressed great disappointment with the ICC's decision to make changes to the structure of the 2027 Men’s ODI World Cup less than 18 months before the tournament. The two Associate nations have questioned both the timing of the decision and the manner in which the changes have been communicated. 

They believe that the late changes could create uncertainty for teams outside the established Full Member group and make long-term planning considerably more difficult. The 2027 World Cup, which will be hosted jointly by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, was originally expected to feature 14 teams in a different competition structure. The ICC has now introduced a preliminary stage, which is the Super Series, changing the route that the lower-ranked qualifiers will have to take to qualify for the tournament. 

The teams finishing 12th, 13th and 14th in the qualification scenario will first enter a three-team Super Series. Each side will go against the other two, but the team finishing at the top will only advance. The winning team will then join the other 11 qualifiers in the next stage, where the 12 teams will be divided into two groups of six.

"Cricket Scotland and the Royal Dutch Cricket Association are deeply disappointed by the International Cricket Council's recent decision to implement significant structural changes to the ICC Men's 50-over World Cup qualification pathway and tournament format with less than 18 months until the competition begins," the statement said. 

"These changes represent a setback to Associate Member cricket and risk undermining the progress made in recent years to grow the global game. At a time when cricket is seeking to expand its reach, attract new audiences and strengthen its position on the international sporting landscape, reducing meaningful opportunities for emerging nations sends entirely the wrong message," it added.

However, the boards asserted that they are committed to working with the ICC. 

"Cricket Scotland and the KNCB remain fully committed to working constructively with the ICC and fellow Members to strengthen the global game. However, we have significant concerns about both the impact of these changes and the process through which they have been introduced," the statement said.

"The changes risk weakening the integrity and credibility of international cricket, and only highlight the importance of strong governance, transparent decision-making and effective engagement with Members."

The boards also sought assurances regarding future decision-making and involvement in discussions pertaining to major international competitions. However, as per the statement, there has been no further communication from the ICC since their second meeting, which took place nearly two weeks ago.

"Along with other Associate Members, we value the ICC's investment in developing the game. We also believe that confidence in international cricket depends on clear, stable, and predictable qualification pathways, particularly where Members are making significant sporting, financial and commercial commitments based on established structures," the statement said.

"Following the announcement of the changes, Cricket Scotland, KNCB and other Associate Members met twice with the ICC, seeking official written communication on the changes and greater clarity around the processes involved."

"We also requested positive action to strengthen future operational decision-making and an invitation to bilateral planning meetings with Full Members. Since the second meeting more than two weeks ago, there has been no further response from the ICC, which is disappointing and disrespectful given the significance of the issues raised," it added.