The sport’s governing body was accused last night of a “shameful” and “morally wrong” decision in denying Ireland the chance to appear in the 2015 World Cup.
The ICC decided in Mumbai yesterday to make the next tournament in Australia and New Zealand a straight fight between the ten Test-playing countries without a preliminary knockout stage for the associate members to qualify for one of those spots.
That is despite Ireland having beaten England in Bangalore five weeks ago to add to their wins over Pakistan and Bangladesh in the Caribbean in 2007.
Warren Deutrom, the chief executive of Cricket Ireland, accused the full member countries of taking a decision based on self-protection and warned that it could have a harmful impact on backing for the game at home.
“It is absolutely shameful and morally wrong,” Deutrom said. “The ICC has made a decision that flies in the face of all the evidence put before the members. There is nothing about this that observes equitability or sporting principles. So much of the growth we have enjoyed in recent years, the exposure, privileges and profile have come from our World Cup performances.
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“I do not know how our sponsors will respond now. To not even be given the right to try to qualify is utterly unfair. We may not get there, but all we are asking for is the chance to compete.”
Deutrom’s point is strengthened by Ireland being ranked above Zimbabwe in tenth place in the one-day rankings.
They have also been in the top ten for most of the past four years. Zimbabwe, however, were guaranteed a place yesterday for the 2015 event.
“It was a great night when we beat England, but that was not a one-hit wonder,” Deutrom said. “We were competitive in every game, except perhaps against South Africa. In the past two tournaments we have demonstrated that we belong.” The format for 2015 has yet to be agreed, but it may be an all-play-all first phase with the top four in the table going through to semi-finals.