FORMER Saltires batsman Rahul Dravid wants cricket's governing body to perform a U-turn over their decision to shrink the World Cup.

ICC officials are intent on reducing the number of participating countries at the 2019 tournament from 14 to 10, which would make it virtually impossible for Scotland and most of their Associate rivals to qualify.

None of the second-tier nations ended up making the quarter-finals in Australia and New Zealand but Dravid believes the smaller nations have contributed to the tournament and says they should be given the opportunity to compete again in four years' time.

Retired Indian Test batsman Dravid, who played for the Saltires in 2003, said: "I favour encouraging Associates to play in the tournament and giving them every single opportunity.

"I just know how important this is for the growth of their game to be seen at a World Cup, the games being telecast live back home in terms of sponsorship, government funding.

"It's so important for them to be a part of this premier event. I think that's the least cricket can do, it's a tournament once in four years to try to encourage as many of them as possible to play.

"You don't want an inflated tournament, but I've always been of the view that 14 for me was a pretty good number. Give everyone a chance."

Despite the failure of Scotland and UAE to win a single match - Afghanistan only managed to defeat Scotland - the ICC is likely to come under mounting pressure to overturn its controversial decision.

Dravid played in Scotland's 2003 Totesport League campaign, scoring 600 runs at an average of 60 with three centuries.