International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman N Srinivasan has defended plans for a 10-team 2019 World Cup despite drawing criticism from associate nations.
SEE ALSO:
(Video) Australia v New Zealand: Brad Haddin slammed on social media following Martin Guptill send-off
(Video Highlights) Cricket World Cup Final: Michael Clarke stars as Australia crush New Zealand
(Video) Australia v New Zealand: All the wickets from the Cricket World Cup Final
According to NDTV, the world’s governing body for cricket was also blasted by India legend Sachin Tendulkar, who says the decision to cut down the number of nations from 14 to 10 would stunt the growth of the game.
Srinivasan disagrees, saying that the playoff system for the ninth and 10th spots in the tournament would give associate nations such as Ireland and Afghanistan a “reasonably good chance” at qualifying for the 2019 event.
“If you look at the next World Cup, the top eight will qualify while for the ninth and 10th team, there will be competition between six associates,” Srinivasan is quoted as saying by Sports Guerilla.
“So, the Associates will have a reasonably good chance at playing the World Cup. The success of the Associates is actually because of the ICC’s development program.”
The introduction of the new system means that hosts England and the top seven ranked teams would automatically qualify for the 2019 World Cup, but associate nations will now have to play-off against the eighth and ninth-ranked full member nations.
It means the next World Cup could feature no associate nations despite the relative success of the likes of Ireland and Afghanistan, who both showed plenty of promise in Australia and New Zealand.
Ireland captain Will Porterfield attacked the ICC on Twitter, saying Srinivasan had lost touch with the game.
So business man N Srinivasan thinks it should be a 10 team WC. Think il stick with the view of Tendulkar, Dravid, Jayawardene etc
— William Porterfield (@purdy34) March 29, 2015
The list of legends of the game that support its growth goes on. Why won’t the @ICC listen!? #membersonlyplease
— William Porterfield (@purdy34) March 29, 2015
Not sure @BumbleCricket have to ask @ICC probably wanted us to throw our bags is Sydney harbour before we left and forget about the game!!
— William Porterfield (@purdy34) March 29, 2015
COMMENTS