‘I’m a bit conflicted’: Michael Atherton questions frequency of ICC World Cups, weighs ‘law of diminishing returns’ vs Associate nations’ needs after T20 World Cup 2026

“So you think gradually, you know, that there’ll be a law of diminishing returns. But equally, you know, people will say, who are supporters of the associate nations, that they want a T20 World Cup every two years because that’s the time that they have to showcase what they’re about and, you know, the time to get on the big stage,” he said after India defeated New Zealand by 96 runs in the final to win the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

The 2024 and 2026 editions of the T20 World Cup featured 20 teams, meaning several smaller nations got an opportunity to compete at the highest level.

Continuing on the need for these ICC events, Atherton said: “So, somewhat conflicted about that, but obviously a global game is a good thing in theory and practice. T20 is obviously going to drive that. It’s long been, you know, we give the ICC a bit of stick from time to time. It’s long been their desire to globalise the game through T20,” he said on Sky Sports.

“It’s the obvious format because it narrows the gap and makes it more likely that games will be competitive, and that is working to some degree. In terms of giving teams more opportunity, it is difficult with the calendar sometimes. But when you think how many times England have played Scotland, for example, which I think is six times in our history, when they’re our next-door neighbors, there must be more opportunity to give a team like Scotland more chances when teams come and tour England, and indeed England themselves,” he added.