I was born and raised in County Kerry, Ireland, a proud footballing county – and by football I mean the Gaelic type.
We love our sport in Ireland. Gaelic football, hurling, boxing, soccer and union. And though only a small nation, we have often packed an almighty punch.
We have been FIFA World Cup quarter-finalists, had several boxing and athletics world champions, European Cup rugby champions, Six Nations Champions and had several Olympic magic moments.
We love not only winners, but those that give it a good hard lash – or, as they say here in Australia, those that give it a go.
Despite having lived in Australia for 20 years, I’ve never had much interest in cricket, but a few days ago I went to see Ireland take on the United Arab Emirates in the cricket World Cup.
Now I’m a cricket convert – not only because Ireland are winning, but because I got to see cricket for the wonderful game it is. If only the ICC could see that the World cup is converting me and many more to their game, they would expand rather than cut teams in the World Cup.
The other day I watched Sri Lanka versus Bangladesh on TV. My wife thinks I am going crazy, but I am simply falling in love with cricket – and so are many others.
Would I be writing this if Ireland hadn’t qualified for the World Cup, or were being hammered by every team they encounter? Maybe not. But I am someone from the UAE, Scotland or Afghanistan would.
I am watching cricket. I am no expert and I have to learn the rules, but cricket has grabbed me. Piqued my interest.
But the ICC could lose me and millions of others across the globe come the next World Cup by ditching the likes of Scotland, Ireland, UAE and Afghanistan.
ICC, you have new fans. Don’t blow it!
Vas Venkatramani
Roar Guru
Ireland's Call, thank you for this. This is exactly the type of story that gives our game spirit and life, not the cash-grabbing antics lead by India, and followed sheepishly by England and Australia. If the ICC's myopia prevents Ireland's and other nations entry into the 2019 tournament, then I will refuse to watch that out of principle.
Bobbo7
Guest
Sure can. There is just so many components to cricket and the make up of teams. One you get hooked its hard to ignore. And I find more than with other sports I love, I'm happy to watch neutral games and get quite involved even when my team isn't playing. Anyway, good article. An air dish mate of mine came to Australia 8 years ago and he too has been converted to the beauty of cricket
Deyshan
Guest
you are a true sport my friend. You didn't have to convert but still you understand. Thank god you aren't now like 1/2 of the rest of the world, thinking cricket is a minor sport compared to AFL and Soccer (tbh soccer is still better but love PLAYING cricket than soccer)
Issac Maw
Guest
Too true mate. If you want to grow the game you can't just keep it amongst the safe nations. I would say increase the teams not reduce them
Gav
Guest
Good on you Ireland's Call The smaller (non test playing) nations must be a part of the World Cup, it's critical for the health of the sport, and adds to the flavour of the tournament. Today's game should be a cracker mate, as a cricket lover, I've been looking forward to this match for about a month!
Simon Smale
Roar Guru
Great to read, and certainly backs up what I've seen and heard from Irish people I've interacted with. May your cricket watching future be long and enjoyable sir! I hope it's not too long before England and Ireland play in a Test Series.
Chinmusick
Roar Rookie
Oh you have so many fun times ahead, wait until you really start understanding it! You can get pretty deep with cricket...
raz
Guest
Welcome to cricket!!!