Thaindian News

Bangalore, March 12 (IANS) Australian skipper Ricky Ponting Saturday reiterated his stand on the participation of the minnows in the next World Cup, saying they are not consistent enough to compete in the sport’s biggest event.

Ponting’s comments came after Ireland and Bangladesh upset England in the ongoing league stage. He doesn’t see upsets as a sign of consistency and asserted that only the top eight teams should play in the World Cup.

“There is a chance of upsets happening in every tournament. But I have not seen any new team that has come up in this event. Ireland have improved their game a little bit but that is about it. I believe that there should be a place for the best eight teams and may be we have got a couple of too many now,” said Ponting ahead of Australia’s match against Kenya Sunday.

“I do not understand the reason for other teams (apart from eight) playing in the World Cup. They are growing the game everywhere around the world and trying to give exposure to smaller cricketing nations at the highest test. I do not understand why. But, I have have always said that even if any qualifier comes in, the team has to be competitive.”

Ponting is one of the few cricketers who have supported International Cricket Council’s decision of cutting the team size from the present 14 to 10 in the 2015 World Cup.

He, however, lauded Bangladesh for their victory over England in Chittagong Friday night.

“Bangladesh are playing all their league matches at home, where they are a strong unit. Yesterday’s game was one such example. I must say they are very good team in their own conditions.”