2011 World Cup likely to involve 14 teams

The 2011 World Cup is likely to be contested between 14 teams, according to news emerging out of the ICC meeting in Malaysia's Kuala Lumpur. The two-day meeting of the chief executives [or their equivalent] from all the boards under the ICC umbrella kicked off today.

"We are thinking about a 14-team format as the previous tournament in West Indies was considered too long," a highly-placed source told Cricinfo at the end of first day. The 2007 World Cup held in West Indies was played over 47 days and came under heavy criticism for its duration. By trimming the total teams to 14, the ICC plans to make the tournament tighter.

It is also learnt that the ICC is leaning towards a six-year Test cycle to replace the existing four-year format. "The ICC will consult all the boards starting first with India, who are in favour of the six-year cycle," the source revealed.

It is believed that the ICC held fruitful discussions with all the boards on the first day. The ban on sledging was also discussed but a decision on it will be taken at the end of second day. The impact of the Indian Premier League and its place on the international calendar, and the increased use of technology will be taken up on the final day.