‘We have sold the rights based on 10 teams’
The ICC chief executive David Richardson has conceded that cricket's governing body took the controversial decision to reduce the number of teams for the next two global tournaments because of a mega broadcasting deal.
The has been an uproar from former players and associate cricket countries that the showpiece events in 2019 and 2023 will be reduced from 14 to 10 teams.
Associate teams like Ireland, Scotland, Afghanistan and the UAE, who all took part in the tournnament this year, will be affected by the new announcement.
Although the the decision can be discussed at the ICC's next general meeting in October, Richardson said the rights have already been sold so they will not back be turning back on their decision.
Richardson said: "We have gone to market based on a 10-team World Cup. The increase in the revenue is significant and everyone gets the benefit of that. It looks very difficult to change that for 2019.
"There will be an opportunity to discuss it at the next round of meetings but I don't want to get anyone's hopes unduly raised. The bottom line is we have sold the rights based on 10 teams."
Latest
-
NewsJonny Bairstow heading in the right direction in his recovery from injury
The 33-year-old Yorkshireman underwent successful surgery on a broken leg and dislocated ankle in September after a freak golf incident.
-
NewsJofra Archer enjoys new role as he bowls England to victory in South Africa
Archer did not open the bowling but produced career-best ODI figures.
-
NewsSir Andrew Strauss lauds ‘extraordinary leaders’ Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes
England’s men’s team have won nine of their 10 Test matches under the new regime.
-
NewsJofra Archer returns career-best ODI figures as England claim consolation win
England won the third and final match against South Africa but had already lost the series.
-
EnglandDawid Malan and Jos Buttler hit hundreds as England fight back in South Africa
Buttler’s men are bidding to avoid a series clean sweep and a sixth successive loss in the ODI format.
-
County CricketTom Curran taking break from red-ball cricket for ‘my body and my mental health’
The 27-year-old has endured injury problems in recent years.
-
The AshesOlly Stone hopes to play a role in an England pace trio during this year’s Ashes
Stone hopes to play a role this summer along with Jofra Archer and Mark Wood.
-
EnglandOlly Stone ready for whatever role is required to make England World Cup squad
‘Any way in the England team, I’ll snap someone’s hand off,’ said Stone.
-
Women's CricketDane van Niekerk ‘absolutely broken’ to miss World Cup over fitness standards
The South Africa captain was unable to complete a two-kilometre run in the minimum required time.
-
EnglandRun of defeats has not damaged England’s confidence, insists Moeen Ali
The all-rounder is confident England will be in good shape for the defence of their World Cup crown.