India to play host to 2029 ICC Champions Trophy, to co-host 2031 ODI World Cup

Dubai, Nov 15: From World Cups and Champions Trophy events to Olympic qualification, the International Cricket Council has mapped out the future of international cricket, unveiling a comprehensive event calendar through 2035 and key qualification structures for its marquee tournaments.

The governing body said the measures are aimed at strengthening qualification pathways and expanding opportunities for both Full and Associate Member nations.

The ICC also confirmed the venues and dates for the final qualification tournaments ahead of cricket’s return to the Olympic Games at Los Angeles 2028.

ICC Chief Executive Officer Sanjog Gupta emphasised the significance of the decisions for the sport’s long-term growth.

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"The ICC events portfolio and schedule are critical components of cricket's global architecture and deliver elevated context, competitiveness and consequence to the ecosystem," Gupta said.

He added that the approved roadmap would provide greater certainty to players and member boards, enabling them to build structured calendars, enhance high-performance programmes and strengthen player development pathways.

Major Men’s Events Calendar until 2035

The ICC has locked in competition windows for all major men’s tournaments from the 2028 Men’s T20 World Cup through to the 2035 Men’s Cricket World Cup.

The schedule features four Men’s T20 World Cups, two ODI World Cups, three World Test Championship (WTC) Finals and two Champions Trophy editions.

• 2029 ICC Champions Trophy (India): October 9-28, 2029
• 2031 ICC Cricket World Cup (India & Bangladesh): October 9-November 23, 2031
• 2029 World Test Championship Final (England): June 8-12, 2029
• 2031 World Test Championship Final (England): June 12-16, 2031
• 2030 Men's T20 World Cup (England, Ireland & Scotland): July 4-August 4, 2030

Hosts yet to be announced: 2032 Men's T20 World Cup, 2034 Men's T20 World Cup, 2033 Champions Trophy, 2033 WTC Final and 2035 WTC Final

2035 ICC Cricket World Cup: October 2-November 18, 2035, marking the end of the ICC's approved events calendar cycle through 2035.

Four WC spots available through 2027 ODI Qualifier

The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2027 will feature 10 teams competing across 23 matches during February and March 2027. The tournament will begin with two groups of five, followed by semi-finals and a final.

The top four teams will qualify for the 2027 ODI World Cup. The qualifier winner will advance directly to the World Cup’s Group Stage, while the remaining three qualified teams will enter a Super Series to determine the final Group Stage berth.

Eight direct berths on offer for 2028 T20 WC

The Global Qualifier for the 2028 Men’s T20 World Cup will involve 16 teams and 31 matches in early 2028. Teams will be divided into four groups of four before progressing through quarter-finals, semi-finals and the final.

Eight sides will secure direct qualification. The ICC has also introduced a regional representation mechanism to ensure geographical diversity, guaranteeing that the highest-performing eligible team from each region earns a place in the tournament.

Women’s T20 WC qualification pathway confirmed

Ten teams have already sealed qualification for the 2028 Women’s T20 World Cup. Australia, India, South Africa, Bangladesh, England, West Indies, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Ireland and hosts Pakistan are guaranteed places.

The final two spots will be decided through a 10-team Global Qualifier. Netherlands and Scotland gain direct entry to that event, alongside eight teams emerging from regional qualification tournaments scheduled for 2027.

Olympic qualification dates confirmed

With cricket set to return to the Olympic programme at LA28, the ICC has confirmed the final qualifying tournaments.

The men’s Olympic Qualifier will be held from February 5-13, 2028, while the women’s event will take place from February 26 to March 5, 2028.

Both tournaments will feature eight teams split into two groups of four, with the winners of the respective finals earning the last available Olympic qualification berth.