Cricket Ireland
On the 4th of April the ICC in its executive committee meeting the ICC decided that the 2015 and 2019 World Cups shall be having 10 full time member teams instead of the usual 1o full time members cum 4 associate member’s formula. The decision came after many of the players had complained of the long duration of the World Cup.
This announcement was followed by strong resentment by all the 95 associate nations, spearheaded by Cricket Ireland. Cricket Ireland Chief Warren Deutrom had then said, “I can assure you that we’re not taking this lying down. We’ve just moved out of the anger and indignation phase and we’re now seriously examining our options.”
Today Mr. Sharad Pawar, the President of the ICC said that “I have given this matter further serious thought and will request the board to consider this topic once more. I can understand the views of the associates and affiliates and ICC will seek to deal with this issue in the best way possible.”
ICC further issued a statement today,”After receiving representations from the associate and affiliate members of the ICC, the ICC President Mr. Sharad Pawar has decided to request the ICC Executive Board to revisit the issue in Hong Kong in June.”
There are former cricketers as well who feel that there should have been a qualification round for the associate nations rather than just eliminating the “minnows”. Former cricketer Michael Vaughan says , “I would have liked to have seen a pre-tournament qualifier with the likes of Bangladesh and Zimbabwe thrown in as well with Ireland, Canada, Kenya and all the other associates teams and the best two going on to the World Cup.”
Niall O’Brien (the wicket keeper of the Irish team) said ,”If we don’t play in the next World Cup it’s going to be very disappointing for me, but I think more importantly for the kids back home who are 14 or 15 who are looking at the likes of our performance against England, and the likes of my brother’s [Kevin O’Brien] great innings and thinking ‘why not in four years when I’m 18 and 19, why can’t I play in that, why can’t I achieve that kind of goal? It’s about the kids and the next generation.”
Cricket Ireland chief Warren Deutrom says that he is happy with the positive signs but “It’s still the first step in a lengthy process because after all, it’s the same individuals having the same debate on the same issue.”
He further said that they would “keep the public pressure on.” He also believes that the permanent members in a way have become surprised by the uprising of the associate countries.
He concludes by saying, “We will not let this matter lie. It is wrong, everyone knows it’s wrong. The decision must be overturned.”
Tags: Associate Teams, Cricket, Cricket Ireland, Hong Kong, ICC, ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, Sharad Pawar
