Minnows cry foul over World Cup exclusion

NEW DELHI: Issues pertaining to the non-inclusion of minnows for the 2015 edition of the 50-over World Cup has left many associate nations fuming and they may take on the ICC over the issue.
A wave of support too poured in for the likes of Ireland, who performed commendably in the 2011 World Cup, and questions were also being raised about the future well-being of the sport.
The wave of criticism follows the ICC's decision to limit the 2015 and 2019 World Cups to 10 teams. The decision has also raised the bogey of good players from associate nations defecting to greener pastures, where their chances of playing more top-flight cricket may be enhanced.
On Tuesday, Ireland said they would fight the ICC's decision, and added the sport's governing body made the call purely for financial reasons. "Clearly this demonstrates that there are no sporting principles being discussed at the board table, it's purely about money and the protection of privilege. We think it's a disgraceful decision," Cricket Ireland chief executive and ICC committee member Warren Deutrom said.
"I was absolutely ashamed to be part of a mechanism which can permit decisions like this to be made. Some action is definitely required. What way, shape or form that will take, it's difficult to say but action will come. We are simply going to have to examine all the possibilities," he said, refusing to rule out legal action. Ireland captain William Porterfield too termed the move "an absolute disgrace" and said it was "damaging" for the game.
It's not that the ICC has totally shut the minnows out for the future, as some of them can technically compete in the 2019 edition. To soften the blow, the ICC said a qualification process would be held in 2019 to decide the last two spots, but that format is yet to be worked out. Also, the biannual World T20, the other big event in the calendar, is being expanded to 16 teams, giving six associate nations a chance to play in a shorter format.
Porterfield, though, was not impressed.
"It's an absolute disgrace and I don't know how they can even comprehend doing this. We've done everything they asked of us over the last few years in terms of restructuring. We're currently ranked 10th, ahead of Zimbabwe, and there is no reason we can't move up another position, if not two, by the next World Cup. Instead, the door has been closed in our face. It is an embarrassment. An absolute joke. It's not just about Ireland. This could mean the death of cricket in a lot of countries, and all because a few full members are looking to make a few extra quid."