FICA Grant Ireland, Afghanistan Full Membership

Jun 27, 2017 at 11:03 AM

facebook iconlinkedin iconmail icontwitter iconWhatsApp iconTelegram icon
FICA Grant Ireland, Afghanistan Full Membership

In further boosts to Ireland and Afghanistan’s aspirations of succeeding at the international level, the Federation of International Cricketers’ Associations (FICA) has granted members of the teams full membership. This comes after the two sides became the latest entrants in Test cricket and were the 11th and 12th sides, respectively to be a part of the longest form of the game.

The cricketing boards of the two nations had applied for full membership, to which the ICC responded in the affirmative on the 22nd of June.

Image Courtesy: AP

With two extremely talented outfits soon to make their Test debuts, the globalisation of the game will surely be on the rise. In a brief span of time, the two sides have made noticeable contributions, Ireland in particular, having defeated Pakistan, England and West Indies in 2007, 2011 and 2015 World Cups, respectively. Afghanistan too has done well across T20’s and ODI’s.

“The promotion of Ireland and Afghanistan to full member status is welcomed by FICA and we look forward to more countries being able to take this step in the future as one aspect of the global expansion of the game” Tony Irish, FICA Executive Chairman, was quoted saying to the press about the latest move by the ICC.

Irish added that the move to give the teams a Test status would add more relevance to the international scene.

“Because of the current playing structure of the game, players are being increasingly forced to choose between the traditional employment market involving international cricket and the more financially attractive new markets in domestic T20 leagues,” said Irish. “The international game is being seriously challenged by these domestic leagues for the time, resource, players and fans not only as a consequence of their attractive nature but also because of failing traditional structures.

“Putting the best possible structures and context around international cricket is vital to improve the international cricket product, but it is also critical that such structure creates a situation where domestic T20 and international cricket can co-exist, and not compete. I fear for the future of international cricket if this change doesn’t happen soon.”

Also Read: (Ireland and Afghanistan were given Test Status)

Related Article
FICA Grant Ireland, Afghanistan Full Membership
FICA Grant Ireland, Afghanistan Full Membership

Jun 27, 2017, 11:03 AM


Lalchand Rajput Compares Rashid Khan To Sachin Tendulkar
Lalchand Rajput Compares Rashid Khan To Sachin Tendulkar

Jun 23, 2017, 4:45 PM


Virender Sehwag Congratulates Ireland, Afghanistan On Getting Test Status
Virender Sehwag Congratulates Ireland, Afghanistan On Getting Test Status

Jun 23, 2017, 10:45 AM


Breaking: Ireland And Afghanistan Earn Test Status, BCCI To Get USD 405 Million From ICC
Breaking: Ireland And Afghanistan Earn Test Status, BCCI To Get USD 405 Million From ICC

Jun 22, 2017, 8:11 PM


Younis Khan To Coach Afghanistan After His International Retirement: Atif Mashal
Younis Khan To Coach Afghanistan After His International Retirement: Atif Mashal

May 11, 2017, 5:32 PM


IPL 2017: Success In Test Cricket Will Define Me As A Cricketer, Says Rashid Khan
IPL 2017: Success In Test Cricket Will Define Me As A Cricketer, Says Rashid Khan

May 7, 2017, 10:37 PM


Desktop Banner
Mobile Banner