Tim Wigmore offers his weekly look at news and views in associate cricket.
Associate cricket’s great problem is that,outside appearances in world events, cricket fans too often forget that it even exists. Changing that is long overdue.
This is what associate nations are planning. I understand that talks are advanced for the creation of an annual tournament for the leading eight associates in T20 cricket – ideally playing with Bangladesh and Zimbabwe, too, if they do not find an excuse to avoid taking part.
The first tournament could be played in the UAE in January. It would follow a short, dynamic format – two groups, of either four or five, depending on whether or not Bangladesh and Zimbabwe compete, leading to the semi-finals and final. The whole event would be all over in 12 days.
Such a tournament would give associate cricket a focus over and above qualifying for world events – and that matters more than ever given the absurdity of the 2019 and 2023 World Cups comprising only ten teams each. It would provide an annual pinnacle for the associate game, and a means of keeps players, fans and sponsors engaged.
Most important, the cricket would be very good and unpredictable. Consider that Afghanistan, who memorably toppled the West Indies in this year’s World T20, only came fifth in the WT20 qualifiers a year ago and were defeated by the UAE in the Asia Cup qualifiers this year. Ireland have slipped so much in T20 cricket that they are now ranked 15th in the world. Teams like Netherlands, Scotland and Hong Kong are all skilled T20 sides, who badly crave more exposure and high-pressure matches.
Denne historien er fra September 23, 2016-utgaven av The Cricket Paper.
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Denne historien er fra September 23, 2016-utgaven av The Cricket Paper.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Kohli leads RCB to much-needed win
VIRAT KOHLI returned to top form with 72 not out to lead RCB to an eight-wicket victory over the Royals in Abu Dhabi.
TEWATIA HAS SPARKED MY LOVE AFFAIR WITH THE IPL
James Wallace admits he has been surprisingly taken in by the IPL so far – and, in particular, the performance of a new Royal renegade
Whitewash victory is just the T20 tonic for Keightley
A SERIES that few thought would come to fruition ended in triumph for England who completed a 5-0 whitewash of the West Indies in Derby.
TEN OUT OF TEN! RYAN IS BASKING IN MORE GLORY
Chris Stocks catches up with Ryan ten Doeschate, who has plotted Essex’s recent county domination every step of the way
Surrey have the Will to end hoodoo
WILL Jacks may be a hot batting prospect but he’s relished the added responsibility with the ball in Surrey’s charge to T20 Finals Day.
NOW IT'S OUR TIME TO HELP OTHERS
Chris Stocks catches up with England’s director of cricket and discusses the need for the ECB to help boards around the world
IT'S OFTEN DOWN TO A THROW OF THE DICE
Garfield Robinson explains just how big a part luck plays in determining success or failure in sport
FINDING TALENTS LIKE TOM IS A GAIN IN ITSELF
One of the unexpected highlights to emerge from English cricket’s Covid-attenuated season was the chance given to young players to strut their stuff. With many overseas players and Kolpaks affected by travel restrictions many counties looked instead to the young talent on their staffs with gratifying results.
Future looks bright for the Ohio Slinger
ALI Khan is earning his stars and stripes in the Indian Premier League, with the first American to play in the tournament breaking down barriers in every sense.
Spin trio put squeeze on after Glenn shows off skill with the bat
SARAH GLENN helped England spin it to win it after proving she can make an all-round contribution.
