ICC Revives Hope for Associate Nations with Qualification Process

The International Cricket Council's (ICC) chief executives' committee has given a fresh lease of life to associate nations by recommending a qualification process for the 2015 World Cup. This move comes after a furore was created by the ICC's initial decision to limit the next World Cup to 10 full-member countries. The qualification process will provide an opportunity for associate nations like Ireland and the Netherlands to compete in cricket's biggest tournament. The ICC's decision is a result of the timely intervention by ICC president Sharad Pawar, who put the matter up for review.

Key Takeaways:

• The ICC's chief executives' committee has recommended a qualification process for the 2015 World Cup, giving associate nations a glimmer of hope.
• The qualification process will provide an opportunity for associate nations to compete in the World Cup, which was initially limited to 10 full-member countries.
• Ireland and the Netherlands, who competed well in this year's World Cup, felt they were robbed of an opportunity to compete in cricket's biggest tournament.
• ICC president Sharad Pawar intervened in a timely manner, putting the matter up for review.
• The ICC did not make a recommendation to the executive board on the number of teams that should compete in the event.
• The qualification process is a step towards providing more opportunities for associate nations to compete in international cricket.

Statistics:

• The ICC's decision affects associate nations such as Ireland and the Netherlands, who competed well in this year's World Cup.
• The qualification process will provide an opportunity for 2-6 associate nations to compete in the World Cup.
• The 2015 World Cup is scheduled to be held in Australia and New Zealand.
• The ICC has not yet announced the number of teams that will compete in the World Cup.

Sources:

• The International Cricket Council
• IANS India Pvt. Ltd.
• Hindustan Times