Ireland have petitioned the International Cricket Council (ICC), in a bid to secure Test status by 2020. The Irish, who were recently denied a place in the 2015 Cricket World Cup, on account of their status as ‘associate members’ of the ICC, are, at present, only allowed to play one-day and Twenty20 fixtures.
While the ICC’s persistent refusal to grant Ireland full member status may appear to suggest a lack of ability on the part of the outfit, the reality is far different. Those following the ODI cricket online betting will know this.
Ireland defeated England by three wickets in March 2011, thanks to a record-breaking innings by Kevin O’Brien, who hit 113 from 63 balls. Phil Simmons’ team also dispatched Pakistan on St. Patrick’s Day in 2007, in what was later described as “one of the greatest victories in cricket’s rich history”, by the BBC.
Speaking in support of Ireland’s campaign for Test status, retired cricketer, Michael Vaughan, pointed to Ireland’s two major triumphs as evidence that the side is more than ready to join the ICC as a fully-recognised Test team. “Look at the progression Ireland have made over the years”, Vaughan said.
Ireland’s “progression”, to quote Vaughan, includes the ongoing development of a domestic cricket competition, and an initiative to increase the uptake of the sport among Irish people. Cricket Ireland chief, Warren Deutrom, believes that cricket can become his country’s fourth-favourite sport, by 2020.
“This is not a dreamy aspiration but a real ambition founded on the growing passion and profile of the game here [and] a sustained and proven track record of achievement on and off the field.” The introduction of an Irish Test team would prevent local talent declaring for other countries, such as England.