IRISH cricket chiefs have hailed the decision to allow the national team the opportunity to compete in the 2015 World Cup.

Ireland have been handed a route back into the next World Cup after the International Cricket Council today reversed their decision to omit the Associate countries.

IRELAND’S hopes of making the 2015 Cricket World Cup have taken a massive turn for the better after the International Cricket Council (ICC) yesterday overturned a decision to exclude non-Test playing nations.

CRICKET IRELAND chief Warren Deutrom said yesterday that he was “somewhere between cautiously optimistic and breaking out the champagne” after the door to the 2015 World Cup was reopened ever so slightly.

Cricket Ireland have welcomed International Cricket Council president Sharad Pawar’s decision to reopen the debate about the structure of the 2015 World Cup but remain aware that the argument is a long way from won.

Associate nations such as Ireland could yet play a part at the 2015 World Cup after International Cricket Council president Sharad Pawar asked the governing body's executive board to reconsider the composition of the tournament.

Manmohan Singh was sworn in as India's prime minister for the second time in New Delhi today.

Clashes marred the final phase of India's parliamentary elections today, which left two people dead.

Voting for the fifth and final phase of parliamentary elections in India began today.

The second phase of parliamentary elections in India ended relatively peacefully today in all but the rebel-affected state of Jharkhand.

Maoist rebels launched a series of attacks today as the second phase of parliamentary elections began in India.

Police are investigating a letter allegedly written by Maoist rebels threatening to kill two of India’s top cricketers because they represent the “elite class,” a newspaper reported today.