Cricket Australia suggests restricting the World Cup 2015 to top ten teams – Cricket News

Cricket Australia suggests restricting the World Cup 2015 to top ten teams – Cricket News

Cricket Australia has suggested that the ICC World Cup 2015 should be played by the top-ten teams, excluding the associates.

While speaking to the media, a CA spokesman said, “Our starting point on ICC Events has always been that qualification should be based on merit.”

The co-hosts of the next edition of the mega event stated that they will present their stance in the International Cricket Council’s annual conference in Hong Kong, to be conducted at the end of June. The conference will reconsider the tournament’s composition.

ICC president, Sharad Pawar, had recently requested the ICC’s executive board to reassess the decision on the behalf of the 94 Associate and Affiliate nations, who were immensely disheartened by their exclusion from the big-stage.

The Irish had condemned the ICC, when it announced the decision to restrict the next tournament to ten full members. They, along with the other 94 association nations, decided to legally challenge the decision.

ICC also decided to extend the T20 World Cup to 16 teams, but this announcement did not satisfy the minnows and they continued their protest against the chief cricketing body.

The spokesman added, “James [Sutherland, CA chief executive] has always argued that ICC Events should be assessed in the full context of the ICC World Cup and ICC Twenty20 World Championship.”

There are speculations that in the annual conference, the ICC may consider the option of expanding the number of teams to 14, similar to the 2011 edition format. Another option being discussed is that the ICC may introduce a qualifying tournament between
the best two associate nations and low performing teams.

The recently concluded tournament won by India, included 14 teams with minnows, Canada, Ireland, Holland and Kenya taking part in the mega event.

The Irish put up a good show with a remarkable win over England. Their performance was at par with some of the weaker test playing nations.

All the Associate members now have their eyes on the ICC’s decision with high hopes. Former Ireland captain, Trent Johnston said that ICC’s move to reconsider their decision is a positive step.

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