Upgrading of Youth World Cup planned

In keeping with the ICC globalisation policy the plan is to have at least 20 countries for the January 2000 event, which ironically gets a millennium touch as the calender switches from one century to the next. And hopefully the West Indies can get the script right this time and their side will have players of the right under/19 age group when the tournament is held in the green pearl of the Indian Ocean.

And ICC executive approved plans only last week, are to stage the event every two years with the idea of giving talented young players more exposure to an increased level of the game at a much earlier age.

But as Dr Ali Bacher, in charge of the ICC's development programme, explains there is a need to involve more associate member countries this time. Last year we had seven ICC associate members, Bangladesh, winners of the plate when they beat an understrength West Indies, Denmark, Ireland, Scotland, Kenya, Namibia and the paupers of the tournament Papua New Guinea. They arrived with a single kit bag: three sets of pads, including those of the wicketkeeper, three bats (one borrowed) and some mangled batting gloves and little else.

Next year the associate member countries are to be increased to a minimum of 11 countries, five more than a year ago, which gives the game's expansion policy a new direction. Dr Bacher, who doubles as the United Cricket Board of South Africa's managing director, said the idea to involve more associate members was strongly focused on the success of the ICC's expansion policy.

A final decision on the number of countries is being made in Dubai in March when the ICC's development committee have their next meeting. ``What we are looking at here is to improve the standard of the game among the (ICC) developing countries,'' Dr Bacher said. ``It is to given the incentives and opportunities to the young players from all countries, especially the associate member countries, to improve their game.''

At least one team from North America, the USA or Canada, should qualify, along with South America, most likely the Argentine; two or more from the far east and Caribbean along with possibly a fourth from Europe, including the United Kingdom outside England and Wales.

Dr Bacher also expressed confidence Sri Lanka would get a major (international) sponsor to host the evnt as costs of transporting teams as well as hostel and hotel accommodation would be high.

This time the contentious age qualification issue would be clearly indicated. It was this issue, when the second youth World Cup was held a year ago after a 10 year gap, which caused problems among some teams who had players over the cut off age. The West Indians were hardest hit with more than half their side affected although they new some months before of the age limit.

As one tournament organiser, Khaya Majola of the UCB, explained the impression given that the under/19 event was usually held in the northern hemisphere was ``in error'' as the first time it had been staged, was in Australia in 1988 as part of the Australian Centennial celebrations.