If it were up to me, there should be 6 automatic spots - host(s) + top x other sides. WC shouldn't be split over more than 2 host countries. So you get 4 full members + top 4 Associates in a qualifying tourney - round-robin league, top 4 qualify.
Chances of the ICC doing it that way? Nil.
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World cup down to 10 teams
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maehara wrote:If it were up to me, there should be 6 automatic spots - host(s) + top x other sides. WC shouldn't be split over more than 2 host countries. So you get 4 full members + top 4 Associates in a qualifying tourney - round-robin league, top 4 qualify.
Chances of the ICC doing it that way? Nil.
One thing that seems to be overlooked is that if the number of participating teams is cut it means associates now practically have no chance of ever host WC matches ever again. The last one in England was really a Northwest Europe host with England, Scotland, Ireland and the Netherlands all hosting matches. South Africa 2003 was really Africa 2003 with matches in Zimbabwe (not an associate of course) and Kenya. I remember in 2007 there was the possibility of Bermuda hosting a match or two or being a warm-up venue and I think even the USA (Florida specifically) was also raised as a co-host possibility.
Once again to eugene though, I really meant no disrespect to New Zealand. They are a good team and hopefully one day they will win the WC (they've been semi-finalists too long now!).
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I think New Zealand are destined to lose semi-finals for eternity. We did win the ICC tournament in Kenya awhile back - before it was known as the Champions Trophy. That remains the only tournament we have ever won. I am not even certain if we have ever even won a tri-series such as the ones Australia or Sharjah used to organise.
My All-time Zimbabwe XI
Neil Johnson, Brendan Taylor, Murray Goodwin, Andy Flower (w), David Houghton, Sean Williams, Heath Streak (c), Andy Blignaut, Paul Strang, Eddo Brandes, Blessing Muzarabani
Neil Johnson, Brendan Taylor, Murray Goodwin, Andy Flower (w), David Houghton, Sean Williams, Heath Streak (c), Andy Blignaut, Paul Strang, Eddo Brandes, Blessing Muzarabani
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NZC's Justin Vaughan on the 10-team World Cup issue:
http://goo.gl/fb/vYZ3j
Apparently, having a World Cup where you don't know who the final four are going to be ahead of time is A Bad Thing.
http://goo.gl/fb/vYZ3j
Apparently, having a World Cup where you don't know who the final four are going to be ahead of time is A Bad Thing.
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