World Cricket Needs The "Minnows"

Since the very first cricket World Cup took place in 1975, there has been a rich history of less recognised cricketing nations taking part, and playing their role in some very pivotal results.

Who can forget this image of Dwayne Leverock taking an amazing catch to dismiss Robin Uthappa?

Or Kevin O'Brien's reaction after he blasted Ireland to victory over England in 2011?

I was having a conversation after the most recent World Cup, with @talesfrmthecrypt about how we were disappointed to see few of the "Minnows" competing this year, and how we think that the rest of the Cricket world (especially the Big Four of Australia, England, India and South Africa) need to support their growth and development.

As an Australian I would like to see Cricket Australia host some of these smaller nations on a regular basis - and I believe we have an obligation to bankroll these tours as well.

If, for example, Canada, The Netherlands or the United Arab Emirates were to tour Australia and play a First Class match and 2 List A matches against each of the State teams, then at the end of the tour a First Class game and a best of three One Day Series against Australia A, this would help fast track the development of these nations - particularly if this approach was also rolled out across the other established nations. A different team touring every year, or every second year could benefit everyone in the long run.

What do you think?

History of "Minnow" Nations in Cricket World Cups

1975 - East Africa
1979 - Canada
1983 - Zimbabwe
1987 - Zimbabwe
1992 - Zimbabwe
1996 - United Arab Emirates, Netherlands, Kenya
1999 - Kenya, Scotland, Bangladesh
2003 - Namibia, Canada, Netherlands
2007 - Scotland, Canada, Kenya, Bermuda, Netherlands, Bangladesh, Ireland
2011 - Bangladesh, Kenya, Canada, Netherlands, Ireland, Canada
2015 - Ireland, Scotland, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, United Arab Emirates
2019 - Afghanistan, Bangladesh