SCOTLAND's hopes of reaching the 2019 World Cup have been dealt a blow after Associate rivals Ireland and Afghanistan were given a qualification boost.
The pair, currently ranked in the top two places outside the ICC's Full Member nations, will join the elite group from which eight countries will automatically qualify for the next 50-over global event. Grant Bradburn's side, meanwhile, will be forced to play in a ten-team qualification event from which only two will play at the next World Cup. As part of the shake-up Afghanistan and Ireland are likely to benefit from more games against the world's top nations and will no longer play in the World Cricket League, denying Scotland the chance to tackle their traditional rivals. Andy Tennant, Scotland's Director of Cricket, said: "While this is good news for Associate cricket, it is disappointing that we were not given the same opportunity. "It is a major step to put two sides on to the official ladder and we believe a more open look should have been taken. "Some sort of competition could have been held or a date given when teams knew they had to be in the top two of the Associates." However, there will be a system of promotion and relegation giving the Scots the chance to replace one of the sides currently ranked in the top twelve. Tennant added: "It is very unclear how things will work in relation to our future opportunities to play Ireland in one-day internationals but we hope our historic relationship with them will continue. "As far as promotion is concerned we have to be pleased that there is a mechanism in place to get into the top twelve though we still await the full details of that." The news was announced following a meeting of the ICC Board in Dubai yesterday and comes as Scotland prepare to depart for Australia on Sunday to compete in their third World Cup. Tennant said: "I don't think the players need any extra motivation but it is a wonderful opportunity to show that there are more than two capable sides outwith the Full Member Nations."
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