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.
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