Cricket is a game that is played in over 125 countries according to International Cricket Council (ICC). ICC has 10 Full Members, 38 Associate Members and 59 Affiliate Members. That adds up to 107 countries. But only 8 to 14 countries play in world cup. And top 8 countries always try to dominate as much as possible in the world cup, even sometimes by changing format.
Among the top 8 countries, India, Australia and England try to control the system. And in 2019 world cup they are trying to reduce to 10 teams. I think the idea came from big team sometimes knocked off by number 9-10 full teams and associate teams. India got the big shock on 2007 world cup when they were knocked out from group level by Bangladesh who were number 9 team at that time. Next world cup in 2011, India forced ICC to change the format to make sure top 8 team can play more games, so that they have more chance to play for top 8 second round. This year world cup, Bangladesh knocked out England. Ireland, which is an associate member qualified for top 8 second round in 2007 and most likely would go this year. Afghanistan and Scotland looked very promising when they played against big teams. The point that I’m trying to make is, people from all the associate countries and low ranked countries loved cricket so much and they are so much passionate about cricket, that it would be unfair to drop them from the world cup. Cricket will not spread. The people who are making this type of decision are nothing but scared of losing against small teams and losing sponsors. But a game is game, it’s not meant for money or keeping the elite status.
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