Cricket World Cup 2011

[kingfunk]

I'm not saying it should be a free for all. It should be a qualify to play like the football world cup, that way instead of been ruled out now because of this ridiculous test playing country rule (WTF), (because Ireland are in the top ten)... every cricket playing country would have the chance to claim a place, then who plays best is rewarded with a place in the wc.

[Shaggy]

But every game that counts towards ranking points is essentially a qualifier, there's barely any difference. They're still being given a chance to qualify by virtue of holding games with ranking points at stake.

The Test status is a different matter and Ireland should definitely be granted that, I don't see what's stopping the ICC from granting it?

[Tee]

As Neil said before, they play thirty (30!) games to eliminate four teams! It's absolutely ludicrous.

****ing hell that does seem a bit OTT, but there are some great games. Isn't that what its about? Seeing the best play each other, as well as the weaker teams getting a chance against the big teams.

Maybe they should split it into 4 groups of 3.

[Alex]

i think there is an argument that these lesser teams need to play on the bigger stages in order to develop. It is stupid that 30 games were played to get rid of the 4. But at least these 4 got some big game experience. To be honest the World cup has now just become a 4 yearly version of the ICC trophy. Which happens every other year.

Which indecently there thinking of replacing with a Bi-Annual Test trophy.

I honestly dont think the ICC knows what's going on. Imagine all this changing in football.

[Shaggy]

It's difficult because Test cricket is what it's all about and there's no Test World Cup. IMO all these ICC trophies, ODI World Cups, T20 World Cup etc are pretty meaningless. So it's difficult for the ICC to find the right format/balance, and come up with a credible tournament.