Re: Afghanistan Watch 2016-2018
Posted: Fri Jan 13, 2017 4:02 am
ACB has plans to formally apply to the ICC for full membership.
I think Bangladesh has shown the ICC what a little bit of patience can do for world cricket if you promote the "right" nations. Bangladesh were behind Kenya when we got Test status in 2000, and we were well behind. However, Kenya never had the potential for growth beyond what they already had...they could only go down from where they were.
In this regard, Ireland are in a bit of a precarious position, especially if their players leave for England or other countries. Still, one hopes that Ireland can be like NZ...a tiny country but with enough passion and acumen to make a competitive side. Scotland could theoretically then follow the Irish model.
But Afghanistan and Nepal are countries the ICC should target. Assuming the Afghans get Test status anyways, thats a moot point. But Nepal should be promoted to ODI status. Again, this might be in the works already with the proposed 13 team ODI league. But Nepal will be under pressure, and their development can be accelerated if a similar ranked side is also included to make it a 14 team league (PNG would by my guess...or any nation that has some popularity with cricket and relies on homegrown players rather than just immigrants).
The important thing is that, everyone has to be patient. These teams will occiasionally be horrendous. But with a large player base, passionate fan following, and continous chances...they will over time eventually become competetive. And they will probably do it faster than the 15 years it took Bangladesh.
I think Bangladesh has shown the ICC what a little bit of patience can do for world cricket if you promote the "right" nations. Bangladesh were behind Kenya when we got Test status in 2000, and we were well behind. However, Kenya never had the potential for growth beyond what they already had...they could only go down from where they were.
In this regard, Ireland are in a bit of a precarious position, especially if their players leave for England or other countries. Still, one hopes that Ireland can be like NZ...a tiny country but with enough passion and acumen to make a competitive side. Scotland could theoretically then follow the Irish model.
But Afghanistan and Nepal are countries the ICC should target. Assuming the Afghans get Test status anyways, thats a moot point. But Nepal should be promoted to ODI status. Again, this might be in the works already with the proposed 13 team ODI league. But Nepal will be under pressure, and their development can be accelerated if a similar ranked side is also included to make it a 14 team league (PNG would by my guess...or any nation that has some popularity with cricket and relies on homegrown players rather than just immigrants).
The important thing is that, everyone has to be patient. These teams will occiasionally be horrendous. But with a large player base, passionate fan following, and continous chances...they will over time eventually become competetive. And they will probably do it faster than the 15 years it took Bangladesh.