The Ireland skipper cited examples of global sports like football and Rugby that are always expanding and pointed out the flaws in the route that cricket is currently taking. © Getty
William Porterfield, the Ireland captain, added to the growing voice for the Associate and Affiliate Nations as his side, along with Netherlands, were knocked out of the first round of the World T20 2016 due to incessant rain in Dharamsala on Friday (March 11).
Peter Borren, the Netherlands captain, had spoken about the cruel nature of their team's ouster and rued the lack of opportunities for their likes at the international stage. Porterfield, who had previously voiced his concern for more chances after his side overcame the West Indian challenge in the 50-over World Cup in 2015. On Friday, his side were dumped out and he was in no mood to mince his words and thoughts on the lopsided situation.
"I haven't heard Peter's interview so I don't know what he has said but yeah this has been the bugbear for a while. That is why the ICC has the tournament in two phases because they will lose a lot of revenue if one of the top nations go out to any of us in the early rounds," Porterfield exclaimed.
The Ireland skipper cited examples of global sports like football and Rugby that are always expanding and pointed out the flaws in the route that cricket is currently taking.
"It doesn't happen in any other sport. Every sport grows their competition. Football has increased the number of teams for the 2023 world cup. Rugby have done the same. They are looking to progress their games. It is a shame that the ICC at the top level insist on cutting teams.
"It has fallen on deaf ears a lot of time. After the last World Cup, there were quite a few people at the top table who were quite happy that we missed out on run rate. Makes it a bit easier for them because they can ignore all the comments and let it die over time. This is what happens," an angry Porterfield opined.
The current situation is grim for these sides but Porterfield vowed to keep fighting. "It is frustrating from our point of view. we will keep fighting. We have got good performances on the pitch. We come to every big event. Not just big events, we have got four big games this year. Two against Sri Lanka and two against Pakistan at home. Those are the games we have to win especially on home soil to put more pressure on to get even more fixtures," he said.
Via- Cricbuzz
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