Pre-qualifier proposal rejected

Associates' World Cup plans scuppered

Martin Williamson

March 14, 2008

	Bangladesh and Zimbabwe would have had to play-off had proposals for a pre-qualifier been accepted © Getty Images

India were the driving force behind the initial proposal to cut the number of Associates at the tournament from six to four and a restructuring of the competition format, a move ostensibly to counter criticism that the 2007 event was too bloated. But this was strongly opposed by leading Associates who argued that it was against the ICC policy of spreading the game globally.

At the ICC executives meeting in Kuala Lumpar last month, some Full Member countries singled out the performance of Bermuda at the 2007 World Cup as an example of how there was not, in their opinion, the strength in depth to support the inclusion of six Associates. One senior administrator countered by pointing out that there were also many poor performances by senior countries such as England and West Indies leading to many equally one-sided and meaningless matches.

Seven alternative proposals were put forward and this was narrowed down to two - the publicised 14-team format and an alternative tabled by the Associates which was a 16-team format. The latter would have meant that the six leading associates plus Bangladesh and Zimbabwe would have played in a first-round qualifier before the tournament proper, with the top four progressing into a 12-team event. That would, so they argued, have led to a more meaningful cricket for the Associates as well as a shorter and more competitive World Cup.

The plan was well received by a few Full Members, but when it came to a vote the proposal was rejected. It is believed that the Indian representatives lobbied hard to have anything other than the 14-team plan put forward by the BCCI turned down.

It is now expected that the 14-team format will be rubber stamped when the ICC board meets in Dubai next weekend.

Martin Williamson is executive editor of Cricinfo

© Cricinfo

Add to del.icio.us | digg this | Stumble It What's this? If you liked this article and would like to share it with others on the web who might be searching for good content on cricket, you may use these buttons. When you add them to any of these sites, you "social bookmark" them for others to find and rate. More on del.icio.us>> More on digg>> More on stumbleupon>> Close

Current Cricinfo fantasy games - SL v Ind, Eng v SA & County Cricket Login and check the standings Live scores, results, news, features and more - a click away Download the Cricinfo Toolbar Live scores, ball-by-ball commentary & news direct to your phone Cricinfo's mobile services

Stories

Associates lose out in World Cup revamp

Quarter-finals return at 2011 World Cup

Shorter and smaller World Cup proposed

2011 World Cup likely to involve 14 teams

Sites

Cricinfo ICC Site