Trent Johnston in action
Trent Johnston, Ireland cricketer and 2007 World Cup captain, has urged the International Cricket Council's executive board to reopen the 2015 World Cup to non Test-playing nations or risk alienating a generation of players.
It was announced yesterday that, having received representations on behalf of the 95 associate and affiliate member countries, ICC president Sharad Pawar has asked the board to reconsider their decision to restrict the next World Cup to the 10 full members.
Whether or not the likes of Ireland, Holland and Canada will have genuine cause for cheer will not be known until the next official board meeting in Hong Kong next month.
The 10 chief executives who ratified the initial decision will again be the ones debating the issue but the unexpected depth of feeling created by the announcement earlier this month may force a change of heart.
Johnston, who was one of the most vocal critics of the decision, believes Pawar has given an important opportunity to right a wrong.
'If they're having a look at the decision again, that is a very positive thing for Ireland and the other associates and affiliates, we're obviously hoping something comes of this,' he said.
'I don't think we would have sat back and taken that decision because we found it unfair. We never thought we should automatically qualify but a qualifying tournament was all we were looking for, a fair chance. Now, with this turnaround, we hope that will be the case.
'If they do reverse their decision, then fantastic. That's what Cricket Ireland and 94 other countries want.'
Johnston, who was a key figure in Ireland's impressive showings in the 2007 and 2011 tournaments, including historic victories over Pakistan and England, fears for the sport if the door is not reopened to the so-called 'minnows'.
'It's a massive deal, it's massive for the sponsorship and revenue we need to develop the game and also massive to keep kids interested in the game,' he said.
'It's about the next generation, not just about 2015. We're building to 2019, 2023 even. If we don't have a World Cup to offer kids - the 15, 16-year-olds - are they still going to want to play cricket?
'If we have a World Cup to aspire to that can only attract more kids and the profile can only be raised.
'The memories we have had of the last two World Cups are unbelievable and to not give that chance to young Irish cricketers, young Canadian cricketers, young Dutch cricketers would be a disgrace.'
The ICC announced the issue would be reopened yesterday, with a statement from Pawar.
It read: 'I have given this matter further serious thought and will request the board to consider this topic once more. I can understand the views of the associates and affiliates and ICC will seek to deal with this issue in the best way possible.'
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