Random Cricket Thread (International Cricket)

[Aidan11]

I see that from July 5th all no-balls in ODI & T20i cricket will result in a free hit.

[Arthur Crabtree]

ICC has confirmed that the the next WC will only feature ten teams.

[GarlicJam]

ICC has confirmed that the the next WC will only feature ten teams.

I am certainly not alone in thinking this to be a bad move.

[Arthur Crabtree]

I don't mind justifying it if all team have to qualify, making it the end stage of a global competition. But given eight teams will be there no matter, the finals are closed off to most nations. I hope the ICC at least runs a competition running into the WC in which associate teams qualify for the last two places.

There will be as many matches, even though fewer teams competing. Just more games between top eight sides playing each other.

[dan08]

I don't mind justifying it if all team have to qualify, making it the end stage of a global competition. But given eight teams will be there no matter, the finals are closed off to most nations. I hope the ICC at least runs a competition running into the WC in which associate teams qualify for the last two places.

There will be as many matches, even though fewer teams competing. Just more games between top eight sides playing each other.

There will be a World Cup qualifier with 2 full members, top 4 from WCLC and top 2 from WCL2.

Everything is geared towards the full members though. For example the Qualifier is in Bangladesh (hardly relevant for a WC in England but just so Bangladesh can go through). With Bangladesh in 7th place now i wouldn't be surprised if it was moved to Zimbabwe or West Indies. The only thing that could make the ICC rethink their 10 team World Cup is if Pakistan look like they won't qualify. I don't Pakistan will make the Champions Trophy which is already a disaster for the ICC.

[Arthur Crabtree]

England aren't that far from being seventh. But ninth is a long way off.

The qualifiers won't be a part of the main event, which would at least give those countries some visibility, which is what the WC does (and I'd say is supposed to do).

[Arthur Crabtree]

Actually, England are only a couple of bad series (and with Aus/Pak away and SA to come, it may happen) from being ninth. They'll lose the points from when they were number one at some point too. But still unlikely.

[Arthur Crabtree]

All time great Kumar Sangakkara will retire from Tests in August.

[Aidan11]

Great servant to cricket.

Durham lad as well.

[Arthur Crabtree]

After a series against India. Must have played a few of those.

[captaincolly]

Actually, England are only a couple of bad series (and with Aus/Pak away and SA to come, it may happen) from being ninth. They'll lose the points from when they were number one at some point too. But still unlikely.

Even if England slipped to 9th I think they'd still qualify for the WC as the home nation automatically gets a place-not 100% certain but think that's the case.

[captaincolly]

After a series against India. Must have played a few of those.

Strange thing is the reports are that he will retire after the second test of the three match series, seems an odd thing to do so maybe I have got the wrong end of the stick.

[Aidan11]

After a series against India. Must have played a few of those.

Strange thing is the reports are that he will retire after the second test of the three match series, seems an odd thing to do so maybe I have got the wrong end of the stick.

Yeah that is bizarre. Can't think of any valid reason for it.

[Alviro Patterson]

ICC has confirmed that the the next WC will only feature ten teams.

I am certainly not alone in thinking this to be a bad move.

Speaking to Test Match Special during the World Cup final, Richardson had said: "As it stands we've entered into an agreement with broadcasters for a 10-team World Cup.

"I want it to be a shop window for the best teams in one-day cricket - whether that be eight teams, 10 teams or 12 teams.

"We have to make sure we don't put Associate members into tournaments just for window dressing. The debate will still be had as to whether we have 10 or increase it."

If that is the case, then why continue with the ICC Champions Trophy?

[Aidan11]

The first Day/Night test match has been agreed


http://www.espncricinfo.com/australia/c ... 92403.html