I agree that 1-2 guys playing FC cricket in a squad is probably of benifit, but the likes of Italy often end up fielding a side were barely 2-3 of the 11 actually play their cricket in Italy, and if Australia was open for travel there would be even fewer this time too. So it’s a pretty short term fix and massively favourable to countries that give out passports easier and have had emigration to strong cricket countries. None of which is really related to the health of the game domestically in that country.
I get why teams do it, I just don’t really agree with or like it.
Same goes for the likes of Oman or Netherlands at the WC, I’d far rather see a side with mostly home produced players there and gaining from the experience.
I feel that the ICC funding for national side performance, for associates anyway, should have a heavy weighting on the number of home grown players in the side. Something that reflects the strength of cricket in that country, and rewards work to develop it. Rather than just writing a cheque to some bloke playing grade cricket who has an inherited dual nationality.
My kids have British passports, if they grow up to be good biathletes or cross country skiers they could probably represent the U.K., but they’re no more British than our neighbours, speak no English, and would be no reflection on the work being done within the British skiing community.
It’s just an opinion, but I’ll die on this particular hill if need be 🤣