In the ongoing Cricket World Cup, the format has been questioned a lot as many matches which includes associate teams have ended as one-sided matches. The ICC has also planned to reduce the number of teams to 10 in the next World Cup which will be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand in 2015. Ireland, who on the other day beat England by chasing a record margin of all the World Cups, has performed well as they also gave a tough time to Bangladesh. It was Ireland who beat Pakistan in 2007 World Cup. The Netherlands also played well in their match. The ICC must engage these associate teams with international teams and arrange at least one unofficial match with each Test playing nation every year. With this, these associate teams will have a chance to improve their standard. After that, top two associate teams can be taken in the next World Cup.
T20 is the best format for these teams to start international careers.
MUBASHIR MAHMOOD
Karachi