China is so far away from developing a first class team its not funny. To loose is fine, but to not be remotely competitive especially with their level of funding in inexcusable and disastrous for cricket in China.

Politics in Sports is never a healthy thing. The ICC seems more interested in increasing the number of countries playing Cricket, not in having quality Cricket being played. If they would like to have promotion of the game, fine, but then support teams who are consistently winning. Afghanistan is doing so. Afghanistan is the place where a percentage of the funds spent in China or for China by the ICC, could do wonders for the game. I see ourselves competing anyway with the best sooner rather than later, but then what is the aim of this useless and sensless ICC. Just a bunch of jokers. No professionalism, no responsibality towards the sport that has made them ICC.

The point no international team is bound to visit Afghanistan in the foreseable future due to the uncertain situation. What;s the point building international stadia in Kabul? But then ICC could build a few decent turf strips and fund coaching / equipment for domestic players.

"To lose is fine, but to not be remotely competitive especially with their level of funding in inexcusable and disastrous for cricket in China.To loose is fine, but to not be remotely competitive especially with their level of funding in inexcusable and disastrous for cricket in China."

This is a ridiculously over the top and short-sighted comment. Development takes time, regardless of funding.

Furthermore, some evidence should be given before accusing the ICC of pouring a disproportionate amount of funding into China, as the previous two posters do. According to the reports I have read, the funding of the Chinese development program has principally come from within China. That the ICC wishes to encourage this enthusiasm is natural, given the potential rewards.

With regards to Afghanistan, if they keep winning as they have been, they'll receive corresponding increases in funding, as it should be.

The basic theory being participation in sport, is that the more at the bottom means more at the top. People are impatient. Performance takes time. Hopefully over time, because the participation base has been increase more countries will reach the elite level. Its just a matter of time. However, due to the popular 20/20 coming of age, this process is bound to speed up.

Meh, I don't really care for these ICC-designated development countries (e.g. USA and China).
Focus on the countries that already breathe passion for the sport. With a lot more backing of Afghanistan, they could make it into the World Cup in a decade or two (or less? who knows).

Ralph: "This is a ridiculously over the top and short-sighted comment. Development takes time, regardless of funding."

I disagree entirely. The sole reason Bangladesh were allowed to become Full Members owed as much to their population and potential revenue that would bring cricket. The same goes for China. All this bollocks about development is a charade for making more money

It should also be noted that many of the first choice Chinese players were unavailable due to tertiary exams.

Not everyone can play Cricket.