Cricket Ireland have welcomed International Cricket Council president Sharad Pawar's decision to reopen the debate about the structure of the 2015 World Cup
Cricket Ireland have welcomed International Cricket Council president Sharad Pawar's decision to reopen the debate about the structure of the 2015 World Cup.
After their inspiring efforts in the sub-continent this year, Ireland were perceived as the main victim of the ICC executive board's ruling that the competition would be reduced from 14 teams to 10 in four years' time ufffd with only full-member nations invited to take part.
Opposition to that decision emerged immediately, with representatives from the likes of Ireland, Holland, Canada and Kenya joined by cricket fans from across the globe in questioning plans to dispense with any World Cup qualification until 2019.
Having made their protests to Pawar, as well as submitting a detailed document arguing their case, the non-Test playing nations have been buoyed by news that the president has requested the ICC executive board reconsider their plans for the tournament.
Cricket Ireland chief executive Warren Deutrom, who has been central to negotiations, is pleased by the developments but remains aware that the ICC officials charged with making the decision are the same as last time.
"It is encouraging that the president has reopened this issue but there is still a way to go. This is a positive step but we're cautious about it because it is the same 10 people having the same debate about the same issues," he said.
"We have asked to assist in that process and requested for our elected representatives to meet the ICC president to put our case," he added.
