Ireland seek full ICC status

Morgan: England international

We have received a letter from Cricket Ireland expressing their intention to apply for full membership

James Fitzgerald
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Ireland have notified the International Cricket Council that they are intending to apply for full member status.

Ireland are pushing to expand their status as an ICC associate member (ODIs) with in the hope of playing Test cricket alongside the game's elite group of 10 countries.

The squad has made notable progress on and off the field over recent years, including qualification for the last eight of the 2007 World Cup.

However, Ireland are growing increasingly frustrated as they regularly produce high-quality players capable of playing first-class cricket who must then look elsewhere to have any hope of playing at Test level.

Recognition

Ed Joyce and Eoin Morgan have earned England recognition and Cricket Ireland are concerned about losing further talent in the future.

"We have received a letter from Cricket Ireland expressing their intention to apply for full membership," said ICC spokesman James Fitzgerald.

"In the event of them doing that the matter will be discussed at the next board meeting."

The process is set to be a long one, despite the ICC's next board meeting being in February, as any final decision has to be made by the general council at annual conference.

Bangladesh were the last country to receive elevation in 2000 after applying three years before, while Kenya's bid was refused after four years.

Cricket Ireland, who have declined to participate in England's domestic 40-over tournament in 2010, would need to satisfy strict criteria to achieve full membership.

They would also have to establish their own domestic first-class competition if they decide to press on for Test status.