W/Cup 2007 cut by 13 days

MUMBAI: The number of teams taking part in the next Cricket World Cup in 2007 is to be increased to 16.

The International Cricket Council have decided to add two extra teams but will cut the overall length of the tournament by almost two weeks. There will be four first round groups, with the top two from each progressing to a new “Super 8” second round format. The next World Cup is due to be staged in the West Indies, although some matches could take place in the USA. The proposal was agreed by the ICC Cricket Committee-Manage-ment at a meeting in India and will now be forwarded to the Executive Board for final approval. Explaining the increased number of teams, president Ehsan Mani said: “It’s a globalisation of the sport. Despite the addition of two teams, the tournament will only last 40 days — reducing it by 13 days “An impressive performance by associate members has prompted us to include more teams. “This will not dilute the competitive edge as is being feared. In the last World Cup, teams like Kenya, Canada and Namibia put up good displays,”

The ICC is also considering the introduction of a biennial Super Series which would involve the top ranked Test and one-day teams. It would feature one five-day match three One-Day Internationals against a Rest of the World XI. If it took place now, Australia would be involved in every match as they are the top ranked Test and one-day team. But an ICC statement said 2005 was the earliest date for the inaugural matches, with South Africa the most likely hosts. The ICC already stage the Champions Trophy one-day tournament on a biennial basis, the next in England next summer. And fitting in a Super Series when there are already concerns about the amount of international cricket might prove difficult. “There remains much work to be done to see if this idea can become a reality,” said chief executive Malcolm Speed. “At this stage we are continuing to look at the considerable financial, planning and logistical issues that go along with such an event to see if is practical.” Rest of the World sides played Tests in England and Australia in the early 1970s and took part in a Princess Diana memorial match at Lord’s five years ago.