World Cup U-turn from ICC boosts Ireland’s hopes
Published:Tuesday | June 28, 2011 | 6:53 PM
Melton Williams, Gleaner Writer
Ireland could play in the 2015 World Cup after the International Cricket Council, ICC, reversed its decision to reduce the tournament to 10 teams.
In April the ICC announced plans to restrict places at the next World Cup to its 10 full member nations.
As a result the likes of Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands would not have been able to take part.
But the world governing body's executive board has now decided to retain the 14-team format.
That means four nations will join West Indies, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, England, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe at the 2015 tournament, co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
Apart from Ireland, the other nations outside the ICC's full members to qualify for the 2011 event were Kenya, Canada and the Netherlands.
melton.williams@gleanerjm.com