The dynamism of the world we inhabit makes adaptability the essential feature for survival. The law applies as much to any technology, forms of entertainment and sports as it is to any species.
For instance, in cricket, there’s no end to innovation and improvisation from International Cricket Council (ICC) to meet new demands, overcome new challenges and keep pace with the time.
The World Test Championship was introduced last year in response to slumping popularity of Test cricket. And now, ICC has launched the inaugural ICC Cricket World Cup Super League, which is a qualifier tournament for the 2023 World Cup in India.
The main aim of this tournament is to add context to the bilateral series that has totally lost its plot and relevance in recent times.
“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,” ICC’s GM Operation Geoff Allardice said in an official statement.
The league will feature 13 teams – 12 full members of the ICC and Netherlands. The host nation India and seven top teams will directly qualify for the ICC World Cup 2023. Each side will earn 10 points for a win, five for a tie/no result and none in case of loss.
“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,” Allardice added.
The league will commence from July 30 with the first of the three-match ODI series between England and Ireland, taking place at Southampton.
England limited-overs skipper Eoin Morgan said: “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.”
