The World Cricket League (WCL) has ushered in a quiet cricketing revolution. And apart from Afghanistan's heroics no-one seems to have noticed. With the frankly gauche over commercialisation of T20 and the financial improprieties of cricket's new generation of philanthropists the WCL has retained a very low profile. But 2010 will be seen as a significant milestone for the development of the global game. The final team for division 8, the lowest rung on the ladder, will be decided at this summer's European Division 2 championships. Although the earth ceasing to revolve around the sun is more likely than France or Vanuatu gaining ODI status that doesn't mean that the theoretical possibility is significant in itself. The WCL provides a barometer of progress and an unprecedented opportunity to energise the communities of these cricketing outposts. Even the mere practical benefits of players travelling across the world, playing in different conditions and sharing insights with their peers should not be underestimated as development opportunities.

In inaugurating the WCL many within the ICC were concerned about the standard of play. They in effect separated the top divisions by awarding them List A status and insisting that games are played on turf wickets. But other than a few eye opening results, performances have been passionate and, at times, pulsating. While Afghanistan rightly grabbed all the headlines other teams made significant progress and in doing so returned the faith of national boards, and the ICC itself, in establishing development programmes. Conversely some long established associate members have found their calibre challenged by newer, aspiring nations, such as Bahrain.

The WCL needs to run for several more cycles before the new world order of non test nations will be established. However, certain trends are already beginning to emerge. Asian teams, often with a core of Pakistani club cricketers, have prospered and begun to climb the ladder. This has come at the expense of countries like Fiji who have strong, established domestic set-ups but lack the dynamism brought by foreign recruits. Another factor in the Asian ascendance has been the positivity of their play. Teams like Bahrain and Oman have approached the tournaments with a never say die attitude and compiled unassailable totals with often audacious stroke-play. This has left countries with traditional innings building approaches, like Denmark for example, floundering. These pinch hitters have been weaned on Twenty 20 years before the format was adopted internationally. The fact that they have 30 more overs to play with makes little difference to their approach. Countries like Jersey and Argentina have to find ways of matching this positivity and alter their technical, restricted approaches if they are to counter the Asian march.

It will be fascinating to see what teams are where in the WCL structure in ten years time. The wider cricketing public will focus on the top leagues and who is awarded ODI status. Afghanistan has proved that it is possible to break into this exclusive club. But what is clear is that if other countries want to follow suit they will have to rely on passport profiteers, with experience in test countries, to bridge this gap. Although there are competitive teams with largely indigenous player bases, notably Nepal and Uganda, it is hard to see how they can muscle their way to ODI status. They are destined, alas, to emerge with credit but not a cherished place in the sport's showcase competition.

I would urge associate and affiliate cricket supporters to show just as much interest in division 8 as the forthcoming division 1, for the aspirations of the underdog are so often the stuff of romantic tales. And look at it this way; in effect the world cup now has two tiers, the competition proper and the World Cup Qualifying Series that precedes it. The next challenge will be getting wide access to this second tier through television coverage. Being brave could pay dividends for the ICC in the longer term as it seeks to challenge the all-consuming appeal of football.

                                 Tim Brooks


Copyright: Cover Point