'14 is a pretty good number'

Former India captain Rahul Dravid has put his weight behind the continued presence of Associate nations at the World Cup, as he believes allowing them to participate is "the least cricket can do". Dravid told ESPNcricinfo that he was firm in his opposition to the ICC's decision to reduce the next World Cup, in 2019, to 10 teams, saying that according to him "14 is a pretty good number."

"I favour encouraging Associates to play in this tournament and giving them every single opportunity," Dravid said. "I just know how important this is for the growth of their game to be seen at a World Cup, the games being telecast live back home in terms of sponsorship, government funding; it's so important for them to be a part of this premier event. I think that's the least cricket can do, it's a tournament once in four years to try and encourage as many of them as possible to play. You don't want an inflated tournament, but I've always been of the view that 14 for me was a pretty good number, give everyone a chance."

Although none of the four Associate teams were able to qualify for the quarterfinals, they gave an encouraging account of themselves over the last few weeks. Ireland came the closest to a spot in the last eight, winning three of their six league games, including victories over two full members -- West Indies and Zimbabwe. Dravid said that while he wasn't surprised by Ireland's improvement, the progress made by first-timers Afghanistan was a "great story" for the game.