UAE captain Mohammad Tauqir posted a very valid point against those who agree to ICC’s idea of reducing the number of participating teams to 10 for the 2019 edition, which basically takes away the chances of most Associates nations.
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Speaking ahead of their match today against South Africa in Wellington’s Westpac Stadium, Tauqir said: “I will look at it this way – I think in the 1983 World Cup, there were around 10 teams. I think in 2019, after almost 40 years, you still get 10 teams in the World Cup. What improvement have we made in 40-odd years?
“So, I would agree with Sachin Tendulkar's statement here. If ICC would like to develop the game amongst the associate nations, they need to give them more opportunities, and I think if I look at this tournament, amongst all the associate nations, everybody has done well, whether it's Ireland or Afghanistan or Scotland or ourselves.
“I think the more we play against these nations or their A sides, the more we tour and the more we play, we can only get better from here.”
Tauqir said that if the ICC went ahead with its proposal, it won’t be good for UAE cricket, as also for other Associate countries.
“I think that’s not good news for our cricket,” said the 43-year-old captain.
“However, there are still many more tournaments and events amongst the Associate nations, but I think ultimately the more we play the World Cup with Test-playing nations, we can get better.
“I think everybody plays cricket for some ultimate goal. I think participating in the World Cup is that ultimate goal. I hope, and I request ICC to look into their decision and have many more teams in the 2019 World Cup.”
Asked what he thought would be the ideal format if the ICC did relent and allowed more Associate nation countries to play, Tauqir said: “I heard Simon Doull saying the other day that the top six teams should be – as per ICC rankings – be listed in Group A, and the rest of the teams should be in Group B.
“Whoever performs well against within themselves, can proceed and play against the Group A. I think that’s a good idea. That's a fair deal for the rest of the Associate nations.”
