Despite some excellent performances by the “minnows” in ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, the 2019 event is likely to remain a 10-team affair.
Teams like Ireland and Afghanistan, which have been on the upswing in recent years, and have impressed all and sundry with their passion.
According to BBC Sport, ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 will comprise of the top eight teams according to the rankings, with the final two teams qualifying after an event hosted by Bangladesh.
During ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, ICC CEO Dave Richardson had said, “As it stands we’ve entered into an agreement with broadcasters for a 10-team World Cup. I want it to be a shop window for the best teams in one-day cricket – whether that be eight teams, 10 teams or 12 teams. We have to make sure we don’t put Associate members into tournaments just for window dressing. The debate will still be had as to whether we have 10 or increase it.”
Meanwhile, Cricket Ireland chief executive Warren Deutrom had earlier told BBC Sport, “One could turn the clock back to 2011, when the 2015 World Cup was set to include only 10 teams but the decision was overturned.”
