International Cricket Council Bats For More Teams in World T20

International Cricket Council (ICC) chief executive David Richardson is satisfied with the current format of the World Twenty20 but said he would like to see the inclusion of two more teams in the first and second rounds in future competitions. (Those Breath-Taking Four Sixes in Final Over of T20 World Cup)

"The format itself works. Whether we promoted those first round matches well enough, that is a question we need to answer at a later stage and review it. The format has worked in that all the matches, first round and second round, it is designed to create even contests between the teams and to that extent it has worked exceptionally well," Richardson told Cricket Radio ahead of the World T20 finals on Sunday. (Marlon Samuels Takes Pot-Shot at Shane Warne Post West Indies' Record Triumph)

The former Proteas wicketkeeper added: "Whether we move to perhaps increasing the size of the tournament by adding one or two teams, or one team to each group in that first round, if we can do that, No.1, we will provide more opportunities to other teams but, No.2, if you do lose two matches, you have still got a chance in a group of five whereas, in a group of four, you are dead and buried.

"That might be useful and then even maybe increasing, instead of having a Super 10 have a Super 12 maybe which will again increase the number of matches but it will give more opportunities for the Associate members to participate in the second round of the tournament itself."

The ICC chief executive further said that a four-year gap between two editions of the World T20 and a 10-team 2019 World Cup are being planned, keeping in mind the "financial health" of all the formats at ICC events and that, all members will benefit financially, regardless of their participation.

"The danger of course is that if we keep pushing T20 and keep playing T20 events every two years, it will effectively cannibalise the other two. We want to make sure that we keep an even and more reasonable balance between the three formats. Hence, the decision to go with one men's World T20 in a four-year cycle," Richardson said.

"Again, the reason to go with a 10-team (2019 World Cup) tournament was done for a number of reasons. No.1, probably it was a format that would generate more competitive cricket and secondly, more value. If we are honest with ourselves, a tournament which involves a guaranteed nine Indian matches is worth substantially more than a tournament with less Indian matches. And, of course, the money that is generated from that event is for the benefit of all members including the Associate members."