Print

[johnnyw]

It is unbelievable what the game yesterday done for the popularity of cricket in Ireland. People that never watched cricket or known anything about cricket have now started to take an interest in the game.

I never watched a cricket game or knew anything about cricket until the day that Ireland was playing Pakistan in the last world cup. I was watching the news and seen that Ireland were causing a huge upset and decided to watch the match. I was totally lost watching the game but I enjoyed it and now I love cricket.

Big wins like yesterday are great for Ireland as after the last world cup there was a 300% increase in participation in cricket across Ireland. Another thing is that yesterday, 9 of the 11 players were actually Irish, whereas Canada playing today only had 2 players born in Canada.

I hope that Ireland are now given more ODI tours against the bigger teams and that a first class structure is introduced to Ireland. 

[jonpinson]

Totally agree, in the bigger picture yesterdays result was massively important. Whilst the method of their victory perhaps couldn't have been predicted, it was clear the Irish team were good enough to have at least one upset in them this time around. It would be nice to see them reach the knock outs.

[Opener]

I don't know whether this already happens but in order to support some of the stronger Associate teams ICC or the relevant boards can organize 50 over or 4 day matches between A sides (Aussie A, Eng A, Pak A) and Associate teams.