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[cleanbowled]

That's short term thinking; reality is Indian market is not going anywhere. There are other markets with big financial benefits like North America where US and CAN teams could generate buzz for the sport in the World Cup venue. Soccer (football) in the US is a great example which has come a long way in last 15-20 years. I am sure FIFA is not complaining either. ICC's idea of commercial attraction is shorter boundaries, two new balls, and field restrictions. That is just idiotic.

Again agree completely, it is short term thinking entirely. Imagine if it took off in the US or China for example. Almost every other sport is trying to move into new markets (a recent example I can think of being the NFL in London). I just think that is how the ICC is going with this. How else do you justify chopping it down to 10 teams. I think going back to 16 teams and a 4 x 4 structure would have made more sense. It is idiotic and detrimental for the long term future of the sport.

I know some might argue that the games with the associates will likely be lopsided and of little interest to most at present. That may be true in that many may not care. But everybody needs to start somewhere, and it takes a long term view (say 15 to 20 years) to really try and grow a sport beyond its traditional markets. If you give these countries exposure to the big guys on the big stage, they have something to look forward to and continue their development. If you shun them and say they are not good enough, then why bother.

[uknsaunders]

Ireland working hard to take the best collapse trophy off Windies and England this WC - 10 for 60 today.

http://www.espncricinfo.com/icc-cricket-world-cup-2015/engine/match/806127.html

[csnew]

Ireland working hard to take the best collapse trophy off Windies and England this WC - 10 for 60 today.

http://www.espncricinfo.com/icc-cricket-world-cup-2015/engine/match/806127.html

Did they not also lose to a state side last week?
Yet Joyce was complaining that Ireland should play more international cricket.

[tushar sehgal]

Did they not also lose to a state side last week?
Yet Joyce was complaining that Ireland should play more international cricket.

Don't discount Ireland.

One of the biggest problem for associates is we don't get to play against test playing nations and it does have a big impact on funding, popularity and competitiveness of the matches. There is a lot cricket being in North America but it is consistently below par (compared to bigger cricketing nations) and under funded, change that and share more revenue then see countries come up and kick some butts.

[arsenal123]

Rohit Sharma, real deal or flat track bully?

Just looking at his last few outings in an Indian ODI shirt... 264, 9, 138, 8, 150.  Feast or famine seems to be the extent of his ODI record.  Someone who has cashed in on the harder (due to 2 new balls) non swinging balls, short boundaries and fielding restrictions or a proper talent who has kicked on?

[tushar sehgal]

Rohit Sharma, real deal or flat track bully?

Just looking at his last few outings in an Indian ODI shirt... 264, 9, 138, 8, 150.  Feast or famine seems to be the extent of his ODI record.  Someone who has cashed in on the harder (due to 2 new balls) non swinging balls, short boundaries and fielding restrictions or a proper talent who has kicked on?

He is India's answer to Ian Bell

[uknsaunders]

There is a lot cricket being in North America but it is consistently below par (compared to bigger cricketing nations) and under funded, change that and share more revenue then see countries come up and kick some butts.

This probably applies to India, who by all accounts are loaded.

Most of the other test nations are in the same boat and need the money they generate. In terms of revenue the ECB might be the next biggest but I would hardly think they are rolling in it. They will probably need every penny to get participation back up and fix club cricket in the UK. I guess the test nations would argue they have never had handouts given to them to develop their infrastructure, so why should they take a pay cut for the associates? Of course more should be done if the ICC want cricket to develop cricket outside the Commonwealth countries, but India are the big earners and it would probably need to come out of their pot.

[uknsaunders]

He is India's answer to Ian Bell

That's close to Slander lol

105 test matches and 7,000 test runs probably put Bell well out of the frame for Rohit lookalike!

http://www.espncricinfo.com/england/content/player/9062.html

[tushar sehgal]

That's close to Slander lol

105 test matches and 7,000 test runs probably put Bell well out of the frame for Rohit lookalike!

http://www.espncricinfo.com/england/content/player/9062.html

Forget stats I am speaking more about the frustration and anger these players cause to the supporters. So much talent but you cannot depend on them now can you!! Rohit is a no show at test level, at ODI they are equal i would say...again no stats just perception.

[tushar sehgal]

This probably applies to India, who by all accounts are loaded.

Most of the other test nations are in the same boat and need the money they generate. In terms of revenue the ECB might be the next biggest but I would hardly think they are rolling in it. They will probably need every penny to get participation back up and fix club cricket in the UK. I guess the test nations would argue they have never had handouts given to them to develop their infrastructure, so why should they take a pay cut for the associates? Of course more should be done if the ICC want cricket to develop cricket outside the Commonwealth countries, but India are the big earners and it would probably need to come out of their pot.

Yeah India is the worst culprit but don't get me wrong other countries still have a lot more money (from public, ICC, govt & sponsorship) then associates. ICC revenue is great but it also matters how much the sports ministry in your country is behind the sport, infrastructure is a major issue. We have 8 months of winter, which means we are indoors for 8 months as we don't have the funds to travel and play other nations on a regular basis. Look at Canada's performance for example, it was a up and coming associate and now we are sitting in WCL Div 3 i think....Kenya is struggling, USA has shot itself in the foot and then hobbled in front a speeding train heading for a collapsed bridge over a pool of lava...

[Number4]

So boys... Any guesses as to how much Australia will beat England by this Saturday? 

[Sam]

So boys... Any guesses as to how much Australia will beat England by this Saturday? 

I'd bet on it being the tightest game yet  .

[smilley792]

Australia to win the toss and bat first

Scoring 790 for 4. Maxwell scores 401 from 162 balls.

England all out for 9. With 5 extras.

[WalkingWicket37]

Australia to win the toss and bat first

Scoring 790 for 4. Maxwell scores 401 from 162 balls.

England all out for 9. With 5 extras.

And 4 overthrows!

[ProCricketer1982]

So boys... Any guesses as to how much Australia will beat England by this Saturday? 

England ao for less than 200