Cricketing minnows need to play more games against heavyweight nations – as long as it’s not against India, according to skipper MS Dhoni.
Plans are afoot to trim the amount of teams that appear at the 2019 World Cup from 14 to 10.
That means outfits such as the UAE, Scotland, Afghanistan, and Ireland would be in danger of losing their spots for the 50-over showpiece event.
The UAE did the plight of the Associates no favours at all on Saturday when they slumped to a nine-wicket loss to India at the WACA Ground.
Chasing 103 for victory, India reached the victory target with 187 balls to spare.
The match finished so early that India’s players returned to the field for a game of soccer.
UAE skipper Mohammad Tauqir said it was important for the growth of world cricket that the lesser nations played more games against the heavyweights, not less.
Dhoni agrees, but he says India are simply too busy to help out in that regard.
“I don’t see India playing any more games. I don’t see even a few days off where we can play any more cricket than we play,” Dhoni said.
“We can’t, unless we play two games in one day, which is just not possible.
“It’s a difficult one. Yes, the Associate nations, if they can get a few more games in a better scenario in good facilities, it will be good for them.
“But please, not India. India can’t play any more games.”
Dhoni stood on the fence when asked whether the ICC should axe some of the Associate teams for the next World Cup.
But the 33-year-old did acknowledge the need to improve the standard of play within the fringe nations.
“What is important is you want cricket to be a global sport when it comes to participation,” Dhoni said.
“It’s good what we have seen from a lot of Associate nations.
“We have seen improvement in their cricket, but we’ll have to give them more opportunities and make sure the infrastructure in those countries is getting better and better so more people can come and play cricket.”
India sit on top of Pool B following crushing wins over Pakistan, South Africa, and the UAE.
The defending champions will be back in action next Friday when they take on the unpredictable West Indies at the WACA Ground.
The UAE were competitive against Zimbabwe and Ireland, but they face another tough encounter when they confront Pakistan in Napier on Wednesday.
Mazo
Guest
India says they are "BUSIER" and they are too considering they play the IPL AND play as much cricket as every other nation.
Mazo
Guest
Yeah when pigs fly or money grows on the out field of cricket pitch.
Don Freo
Guest
Just elitist drivel that needs taking down, MS. India needs to be feeding the cricket world that is sustaining it.
Chris Kettlewell
Roar Guru
Sure it's about money. But why is there more money in those countries playing each other? Because more fans will turn out to watch them or tune in on TV. Funny that. It's not like they make all this money from matches between those top countries regardless of whether people buy tickets or watch on TV, but make no money from matches with associates even if the crowds turn up. It's a bit like someone saying that women's sport needs to have more money in it and be taken more seriously despite never having been to a women's sporting match of any code. (Note: I'm not having a go at anyone in particular here, just pointing out that there are always lots of comments suggesting that it's all about money, which completely forgets that the money is in giving people what they seem to want). If people were completely over matches between the top nations and really got into watching these associates play and thus the ticket sales and ratings were better for those games then you can guarantee they'd get more of them scheduled.
Dog's Breakfast
Guest
Agreed.
Ken
Roar Rookie
Yes Scott. It's more about coffers than growing the world game. Too many dogs vs millionaires to worry about the slums
Scott Pryde
Expert
Or maybe, we should see less of India, Australia, South Africa and England play against each other and they should spend some time playing the other full members first up and then some of the associates.
John
Guest
That is a contradictive statement to say the least. Every one of the major teams is just as busy as India.
Pope Paul VII
Guest
UAE should have bowled first to give the fans something. Apparently their decision to bat was met with boos.
twodogs
Guest
Of course India can fit the minnows in- Scrap the IPL if they're serious about growth