Minister backs Ireland demand for inclusion in 2015 World Cup
On Monday, the International Cricket Council (ICC) voted to exclude associate nations — including Ireland — from the showpiece tournament in four years time. The decision sparked a backlash from the countries outside the cut off point and last night the new minister weighed in on the row at a reception for the national team in Farmleigh House.
He said: “I support the efforts of Cricket Ireland and the other non-Test countries to persuade the ICC Board to reverse their decision. My offices are available to assist the associate nations in their campaign to have this decision reversed.
“The decision made by the ICC does not reflect the values of a sport that aims to be a gentleman’s game. It’s just not cricket. Non-Test nations such as Ireland have played a major part in World Cups, not just by their talent and skill, but also by their commitment, passion and love of the game.
“It is difficult to see how the best interests of the game can be served by not allowing countries such as Ireland a chance to compete at the highest level. This ‘closed shop’ approach cannot be good for the game, and appears to fly in the face of the sacred values that cricket has espoused for so long — fair play, sportsmanship and camaraderie.”
The Minister admitted to being a cricket fan since childhood and revealed that Ireland’s World Cup victory over England at the World Cup has ‘opened doors’ in Asia for the government.
He explained: “March 2nd was a day when World Cup records tumbled to the Irish team and to Kevin O’Brien.
” Enormous praise and credit is due to the team for the exciting and courageous manner in which they chased down a massive England innings total.
“The highest ever successful run chase at a World Cup, and the fastest ever World Cup Century ensured a most memorable day, not only for Irish Cricket, but for Irish sport. ”
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