USA fast-tracked into global big time - Beyond the Test World at Cricinfo

However, the ICC's development committee decided to fast-track the team into the Qualifiers which features the six Associates with ODI status alongside hosts UAE. This will be greeted with anger by the many countries above the USA in the global pecking order, not least Namibia, the Associate on the periphery of joining the top six, who have been hit below the belt for the second time in as many days.

On Tuesday, they were excluded from the top flight of the Intercontinental Cup after the ICC decided to restructure the competition, partially to accommodate Zimbabwe, and now they find that they have been leapfrogged by the USA.

"For the USA the tournament represents a wonderful opportunity to move towards a brighter future and exploit its potential after a period on the fringes following previous suspensions and demotions because of administrative issues," explained Haroon Lorgat, the ICC's chief executive. "The ICC has strategic plans to target and strengthen the game in potential growth markets and the USA, with its player base, development potential and cricket broadcast interest, now backed with a new professional administration set-up, has obvious potential in all these areas."

Lorgat's comments suggested that the decision owed little to cricketing credentials and almost everything to commercial and marketing opportunities. How that will sit with other Associates remains to be seen. The last global event USA participated in was the ICC World Cricket League Division 5 in May 2008 when they lost to Jersey in the semi-finals.

"Twenty20 is the perfect vehicle for cricket to excite the USA and the carrot for its players and administrators is that a top-two finish will earn it a place in the main event which is to be held in its own region."

I'm all for the ICC making the most of marketing opportunities for cricket's world development in general and this move for the USA in particular if the USACA has now got its act together. But the unfairness to Namibia of not having a place in the next Intercontinental Cup after reaching the last final beggars belief. When UEFA tried to do something similar to Liverpool football club there was uproar and they had to back down.

I am glad that the T20 Qualifiers have expanded. However, I think that they should have selected by ranking, not giving a "leg up" to anyone (although USA shouldnt have been placed in Division 5, instead back into Division 3 after their re-entry). That said, I think it is silly that there are so many warm up matches (most have 2 or 3) with so few matches played.

It would make more sense for the World T20 to be expanded from 12 Teams to 20 Teams (4 groups of 5), allowing all 16 ODI teams to play and other 4 spots filled by T20 Qualifiers of WCL Divisions 2 & 3 teams.

The main focus of World T20 should be to promote cricket in Associate countries ... eventually World T20 should be expanded further to include all Full & Associate countries as well as the top Affiliated countries (by Region).