'No right to call it a World Cup'
In a scathing attack on the International Cricket Council (ICC), Scotland captain Preston Mommsen has labelled the governing body as myopic and threatened legal action over their decision to restrict future World Cups to 10 teams.
27-year-old Mommsen, who captained Scotland at the 2015 edition, said the Associate Members may 'consider taking the ICC to a higher body'.
The Associates had discussed plans to take the ICC to the Court of Arbitration for Sport when it was suggested that the 2015 tournament be a 10-team event as well.
“I don't think they have any right to call it a World Cup,” Mommsen was quoted by ESPNCricinfo as saying.
“The idea and dream of playing in a World Cup is what inspired me to try and play for Scotland. I'm sure it was the carrot for many current and past Scottish players to play the game.”
The 2015 World Cup was termed by many former cricketers and experts as the 'Cup of the Associates' for their great performances. Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar went as far as saying the World Cup should be expanded to 25 teams.
Ireland's Niall O' Brien said he was baffled by the ICC's decision.
“All the other sports are expanding their World Cups and we don't see why we should be shrinking ours,” he said.
“It's gut-wrenching. It's just a bit sad that potentially Ireland have played in their last World Cup.”
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