Imports Harming Minnows' Progress

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Cummins - getting a gig for Canada at 41.

By Tristan Holme

I've already given my backing to the minnows' inclusion in this World Cup, but I have to admit it is disappointing to see so many ex-patriots amongst their ranks.

Some have at least shown that they can compete at this level of cricket with Ryan ten Doeschate making 57 for the Netherlands against the country in which he was born, and another South African impressing with the ball for Ireland in Andre Botha.

Australia-born Jeremy Bray scored a century for Ireland, who are captained by another Aussie in Trent Johnston.

Meanwhile the majority of Team Canada were not born in the country they represent and Scotland have a good number of Englishmen in their side.

The other legitimate criticism aimed at the make-up of the minnows is the number of players over 35 years of age.

Holland and Scotland both have three players in their squad turning 35 or older this year, Bermuda have four and Canada have a whopping six players including Veteran West Indian Anderson Cummins who is already 41.

Not exactly building for the future, is it?

However as I write Bangladesh and Ireland are both showing what can happen if you give the little guys a chance and it's refreshing to see.

Sure there have been some horrible mismatches, but despite all these negative points I'm going to stick with my assertion that the minnows should be here.

Perhaps there are a few too many and the tournament has been diluted a touch too much - Bermuda is certainly a step too far even if they qualified legitimately.

But I still believe that the appearance of several of these sides will encourage youngsters in their countries that there is a future for them in cricket and that it is a game worth playing.

In four years' time the older players will be gone and hopefully they will be replaced with young, homegrown talent that can build the next phase.

Cricket needs more competition and less exclusivity if it is to become a world game in the truest sense but people must appreciate that this is not going to happen overnight.

However I do feel that this World Cup will do a lot of good in widening the game's base of fans and players in the long run, and for this the minnows' inclusion should be encouraged.