In the past most of the lesser associate members were fully consistent of expats from Australia, England, SA, subcontinent, etc. so I couldn't have cared less about their participation. But now we see more players from non-cricket playing background increasingly taking up the sport. Look at the PNG and Nepal teams for instance, and how cricket is gathering a strong following in those countries. A 10 team world cup is the equivalent of showing these teams the finger.
A 10 Team World Cup makes no sense, what is the point of having the 8-team Champions Trophy then? Why not make the World Cup a Big-3 tri-series while they are at it (and swim in $$$$). If there was greater unity between teams outside of the Big-3.
If Rugby can have a 20 Team World Cup, why can't cricket? There is similar disparity between skills and fanbase between World's #1 team (NZ) and World's number 10 (Japan/ Fiji), and #19 and #20 teams are equivalent to the Canadas and Kenyas of cricket.
Our current huge f###-off Round Robin system currently exists only to ensure that India plays at the very least the Semi Finals and to nullify the effect to an upset by an associate. ICC doctors the CWC (post-2007) to ensure India stays in the tournament as long as possible. This means broadcasters would be willing to pay big $$$ for the rights to broadcast, there is over a billion people watching from India alone.
Again I don't blame Indian fans and players, as many former and current players are in favour of the expansion of cricket to lesser countries, but only BCCI...
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