If only Kenya had've been given the same loyalty that Sri Lanka received.
Kenya were starting to make progress and then they got arseholed.
Very good point you make.
Kenya is the only Associate/Non-Full ICC member to make the semi-finals of the Cricket World Cup (2003). They also did it in a much harder format, with the Super 6's still in effect (only the top 3 out of 7 in the group stage going through to the next round. IMO, this was the best format that the ICC should've stuck with if they wanted 14 teams).
And I agree with the other posters who said the games between the Associate Members have been the most emotional and entertaining so far. Fair enough, they haven't been played infront of blockbuster crowds like the India vs South Africa match, but have been far more enjoyable to watch.
Southee's was by far and away THE performance of the World Cup. Did it against a quality side and it wasn't as if he was getting donkeys out. I enjoyed that performance more than watching two rubbish sides scrape 250 and try their best to lose. That isn't quality cricket. You can support the minnows, go for it.
Not taking anything away from Southee's performance. 7 wickets in an innings, whether it is ODI,test match, state or grade cricket, is a fantastic performance. However, it also needs to be mentioned that England's performance overall - batting, bowling and fielding - was absolutely atrocious in their first two matches (Australia would've won by a lot more than 111 runs had they not taken their key bowlers off for the part-timers when England were 6/92. Still annoyed that George Bailey did that, and let a pipsqueak like Taylor (ala Sam Tomkins) get 98*). And also, re: England vs NZ, there's nothing exciting about a match from a neutral fan perspective when a 50 over per side match is finished just after the 45min lunch/dinner break. That's just plain embarrassing.
I'll support England's decision to get rid of them and play the BEST 10 sides. Can't wait for 2019!
It's attitudes like yours - and the BCCI/CA/ECB for that matter - which are counter-productive to the growth of cricket. As someone else said, you might as well condense those 10 teams down to a tri-series, as is epitomised in this exchange:
http://www.theroar.com.au/2015/02/1...s-not-ideal-but-at-least-make-it-interesting/
Cantab said | February 18th 2015 @ 8:34am
Knowing the ICC I expect the 2019 tournament to be two pools of 5, with the top 4 teams from each pool going through to the quarterfinals.
This ‘boring’ format will once again be blamed on the minnows, resulting in an 8 team world cup in 2023.
In 2023 the eight team World Cup will consist of 2 pools of 4 with the top 4 teams making it through to the quarterfinals. I expect the minnows will once again be blamed for making it predictable.
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Scott Pryde said | February 18th 2015 @ 8:44am
Sounds like the ICC.
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Allanthus said | February 18th 2015 @ 9:09am
Very funny Cantab, and unfortunately way too close to the truth….
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Scott Pryde said | February 18th 2015 @ 9:26am
Scary isn’t it.
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Brian said | February 18th 2015 @ 10:09am
Atfer 10 teams they will propose a 4 team World Cup between India, England, Australia and one qualifier to be played in India with the 4 teams playing each other 8 times over 5 weeks. The top 2 will then contest a final which if rained out would be declared a draw.
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13th Man said | February 18th 2015 @ 10:49am
Then in 2027, it will be a tri series between the only 3 teams that matter. Just like the one we had a couple of weeks ago, what a great WC that was!!!
