ICC chairman N Srinivasan has said cricket’s governing body was committed to spending $300 million on Associate countries, reports ESPNCricinfo.
The next World Cup in 2019 will be reduced to 10 teams as opposed to the 14 teams who competed in Australia and New Zealand.
‘There will be an eight-year cycle during which this amount will be spent,’ Srinivasan said during the World Cup final in Melbourne on Sunday.
‘We want the Associate nations to develop a sound domestic structure which will help in having a good system.
‘It took India eight years to develop a system where we are now having a strong domestic supply chain of players. The Ranji Trophy, Duleep Trophy and age-group is so structured, and that’s why India is where it is today.’
When interviewed by the broadcaster during the final, Srinivasan had defended the ten-team World Cup in 2019, reasoning that the Associates would have a ‘meaningful chance’ of qualifying for the tournament.
‘I think it has been very successful because we have seen that on a given day the top Associate is able to hold its own against the Full Members … Ireland versus West Indies, for example.
‘And even the next World Cup, you see, the top eight will qualify. Nine and ten will play qualifying along with six Associates, so the Associates will still have a meaningful chance to enter the World Cup in its next edition.’
PONTING BACKS SMITH
Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting believes there is ‘no doubt at all’ that Steven Smith should take over from Michael Clarke as the team’s next ODI leader. Clarke retired from one-day cricket after leading Australia to victory in the World Cup final against New Zealand in Melbourne.
In the past, George Bailey has often filled in as captain during Clarke’s absence, and even led Australia in their tournament opener against England. However, Bailey, who has captained Australia to 16 wins and 10 defeats in his 29 matches in-charge, lost his place in the playing eleven once Clarke retained full fitness.
‘I am a huge George Bailey fan, we have played a lot of state cricket together,’ Ponting told ESPNcricinfo.
‘He’s also been a great leader, but this guy, Smith, is just in the prime of his career right now. He is playing beautifully, and it looks like he has sewn down the No.3 batting spot, potentially even in the Test team. With Clarke making the decision to retire from one-day cricket, you would think he’s only got a couple of years of Test cricket left in him, so Smith should be serving as one-day captain to be totally ready to take over the Test job when Michael finishes.’
Meanwhile, Australia vice-captain Brad Haddin revealed he will be joining captain Michael Clarke in ODI retirement amidst raucous celebrations of the team’s World Cup final victory over New Zealand in Melbourne.
