Bangladesh are now ranked 6th in ODIs

[honestbharani]

I get what you are saying but unfortunately, as much as we all know tests and ODIs (and T20s for that matter) are very different formats of the game, a test team gets to play more ODIs on a tour than an associate who are given ODI status. So its all intertwined unfortunately and the only way we can see Ireland compete at this level 15 years from now is to give them test status right now. I do think its too soon for any other associate, although I can see why they wanna fast track Afghanistan. Do we really need TWO test nations who can never play at home though?

 

[91Jmay]

Ireland and Britain have loads of deals that we don't have with other countries. I'm sure something could be worked out that means they don't become overseas players.

 

[cnerd123]

Ireland and Britain have loads of deals that we don't have with other countries. I'm sure something could be worked out that means they don't become overseas players.

Would that be in the ECBs best interest tho? To fund the development of a rival test nations cricketers?

 

[91Jmay]

Would that be in the ECBs best interest tho? To fund the development of a rival test nations cricketers?

Let's be realistic about "rival" though. Ireland are never going to be a strong Test nation, the best we can hope for is they compete occasionally so the ECB should support them as much as they can.

 

[honestbharani]

Nah.. you are talking the idealist view here. Realistically, there is no way they are gonna do that and you can't really blame them either. If that is the case, India should have let Bangladesh play in the Ranji for a while in the 2000s.

 

[SillyCowCorner1]

They are playing India tomorrow in a warm up. ...let's see how they do play in a neutral and foreign land against the defending Champs and favorites to win the CT.

 

[Victor Ian]

Ireland and Britain have loads of deals that we don't have with other countries. I'm sure something could be worked out that means they don't become overseas players.

This is worthy of consideration by the ICC. Beyond England helping the Irish, take it further and force the big three to each adopt a nearly there nation. Australia should host Afghanistan players and let them play up north as their home base. South Africa can host Kenyans.

 

[91Jmay]

Pakistan can host India

 

[Black_Warrior]

^ East and West Lahore after all