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Cricket must embrace the associate nations

Scotland's performances have shown that there is a future for cricket in the land of whiskey and sheep stomach.
Roar Rookie
5th March, 2015
8

A lot of talk at the moment in world cricket is about the ‘associate’ teams, aka non-Test playing nations.

With four non-Test playing nations on display at the 2015 World Cup – UAE, Scotland, Ireland and Afghanistan – many are starting to question whether they should be allowed to play in upcoming tournaments.

Some have suggested that World Cups be reduced to 10 teams, and others have suggested that an expanded tournament would be the best option.

I for one am against reducing the nations, mostly due to what the ICC has stated as the reason behind the reduction in teams. They say it is to improve the skill levels of the non-Test sides and avoid one-sided matches.

So far in this World Cup I believe they have proved that the associate teams can stand up to some of the Test-playing nations. Look at Afghanistan, who pushed Sri Lanka to the brink. They almost won that game and would have if it wasn’t for the late knock by Thisara Perera to steer them home.

Ireland defeated the West Indies and have shown quality against other sides.

The only way for them to improve is to play against the top nations, whether it be in a World Cup or an ODI.

The experience they gain irrespective of whether they win, lose or draw is invaluable.

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Seeing how a top team goes about playing is an eye opener, especially for those coming recently into world cricket like Afghanistan and UAE.

I do hope to see the likes of Australia, New Zealand and England start to play against these nations to help them develop.

This is the only way to expand our game into the future.

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