McDonald urges ICC to permit 17-player squads for 2027 World Cup
Australia head coach Andrew McDonald has called on the ICC to expand squad sizes for the 2027 ODI World Cup from 15 to 17 players, warning that the tournament’s larger format could turn into a "war of attrition". He said that allowing two extra players would help teams manage injuries, adapt to different conditions and keep their strongest personnel available throughout the event.
On July 29, 2026, McDonald publicly pressed the sport’s governing body with his proposal ahead of the 2027 tournament. His intervention centres on the consequences of an expanded schedule, which he and others fear will increase the physical toll on players. The request is framed as a pragmatic measure to preserve competitive balance and player welfare across a longer competition window.
The specific change McDonald suggested would raise the permitted squad complement from 15 to 17 for each nation taking part in the World Cup. He argued that the additional slots would provide teams with greater flexibility to cover injuries without having to carry replacement players from outside the official squad. That, he maintained, would reduce disruption to preparations and selection continuity.
Highlighting the strain of a more congested calendar, McDonald characterised the revamped event as likely to be a "war of attrition" if squad sizes remain unchanged. His use of that phrase underlined concerns about cumulative fatigue and the potential for teams to be weakened by unavoidable absences. The coach framed the proposal as a preventative step rather than a reactive one.
McDonald also pointed to the advantage of larger rosters when conditions vary markedly across venues and match days. With more players available, teams could better match personnel to pitch and weather factors without being forced into risky workload decisions. He suggested that deeper benches would allow captains and selectors to balance short-term tactical needs with long-term player wellbeing.
Beyond immediate match-day considerations, the coach emphasised the importance of maintaining a tournament that showcases top talent for its duration. Extra squad members, in his view, would help ensure that injuries or form fluctuations do not prevent nations from fielding their best possible XIs as the event unfolds. That continuity, he implied, would support the quality and credibility of the World Cup.
McDonald’s appeal to the ICC focuses squarely on altering the squad-size rule for 2027 to keep teams competitive and players protected. The organisation will now consider submissions from member boards and coaches as it finalises planning for the expanded event.
