Introduction
Cricket was once a game dominated by very few countries. India, Australia, England and a small group of others dominated the sport for decades. But something amazing has been happening in recent years. There are now small fry who beat the giants of cricket. Afghanistan, Ireland, the Netherlands and even Nepal are making waves.
These up-and-coming teams aren’t just here to take part anymore. They are playing and winning, and changing the way in which cricket is reported to the world. Their ascent is adding a surge of energy to the sport. New fans are watching. Young players dare to dream bigger. And cricket is increasingly global.
This article investigates how these new powerhouses are changing the game of cricket. We’ll examine how they got there, the obstacles in their way and what the future holds.
Breaking the Traditional Barriers
Cricket was associated with an elitist club for many years. Test cricket – the longest form of the game – had just ten countries playing. It was the International Cricket Council (ICC) that decided who could become a member. Money, infrastructure and experience dictated who the teams were that got opportunities.
But that tide began to turn in the 2000s. Associate nations (the ones which were not the main cricket-playing nations) started to ask for more opportunities. They wanted to play in World Cups. They wanted funding for development. They wanted respect.
The ICC slowly started listening. There were more teams in major tournaments. A shorter, more exciting format T20 gave lesser teams better opportunity to fight. Suddenly, one good day was all it might take to defeat a top team.
The T20 Revolution
Twenty20 cricket changed everything. In this version each team is restricted to just 20 overs (120 balls). Games last about three hours. Fast pacing is what makes it unpredictable. A player can score 50 in just 20 balls. In one over a bowler can take 3 wickets.
For growing sides, T20 cricket became their lifeline. They weren’t required to have decades of experience. All they needed was good players and some tactical acumen. The format democratized things.
Afghanistan was among the countries that fully exploited it. Their spinner bowlers were world famous. Rashid Khan, one of the finest T20 bowlers today is from Afghanistan by the way. He now plays in global leagues and makes millions.
Afghanistan: Off the Battlefield, On to the Stage
There is an inspiration to Afghanistan’s cricket saga. The nation endured generations of warfare. Even in refugee camps, cricket was being played. Players taught themselves the game on rough ground with broken equipment.
But they never stopped loving cricket. The Afghanistan Cricket Board was formed in 2001. By 2017, Afghanistan was competing in Test cricket. Which is a staggering journey in 16 years.
Key Moments in Afghan Cricket
The ascent of Afghanistan had many defining moments:
2010: ICC World Cricket League Division Five won
2015: Played in their first-ever Cricket World Cup
2017: Given Test status by the ICC
2019: Beat Bangladesh in T20 match at Asia Cup
2023: Win the Cricket World Cup by defeating England
They stunned the cricket world by winning the 2023 World Cup over England. England is a past world champion. Afghanistan is still developing its cricket structure. Yet they won convincingly.
Names like Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi and Mujeeb Ur Rahman are now household ones. They participate in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Big Bash League and other key tournaments. They gain respect wherever they arrive.
Challenges Afghanistan Still Faces
Yet Afghanistan has big problems despite their success. There is too much political instability to play matches at home. Players train abroad. Funding is scarce relative to wealthier cricket countries.
The women’s game in Afghanistan has also been hamstrung by the policies of government. Other promising female players can no longer play. This is bad for the holistic development of cricket in the country.
Ireland: Struggle for the Recognition of Full Membership
And cricket’s been played in Ireland for 150 years or so. But they did not gain Test status until 2017. For decades, they never seemed to get beyond being a second-tier team despite frequently defeating top nations.
Ireland’s Giant-Killing History
Irish cricket is known for its upsets:
| Year | Opponent | Tournament | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Pakistan | World Cup | Won by 3 wickets |
| 2011 | England | World Cup | Won by 3 wickets |
| 2015 | West Indies | World Cup | Won by 4 wickets |
| 2023 | South Africa | T20 World Cup | Won by 9 wickets |
Their World Cup win over Pakistan in 2007 is still one of the greatest upsets in cricket. The finals were supposed to be where Pakistan got to. Ireland was appearing in its first World Cup. The result shocked everyone.
The fastest century in One Day International World Cup is of 100 runs by Kevin O’Brien. He completed it using just 50 balls against England in 2011. That knock was pivotal in Ireland securing a win they were supposed to lose heavily.
The Struggle for Resources
Ireland has defeated England twice but has financial difficulties. Players often have second jobs. Practice facilities are limited. The cricket board works on limited budget which is a fraction of what bigger nations have.
There are a lot of good Irish players playing for England because they will not get those chances. England’s World Cup winning captain Eoin Morgan was born in Ireland. This brain drain is damaging Irish cricket.
The Netherlands: Europe’s Cricket Surprise
Let’s face it, the Netherlands are hardly your archetypal cricketing nation. It is known for football, not cricket. But Dutch cricket has a rich tradition stretching back to the 1800s.
Building a Multicultural Team
The Dutch team is wonderfully eclectic. The players are from different backgrounds — Dutch, South African, Pakistani and more. This blend combines mismatched playing styles.
During the 2022 T20 world cup, Netherlands shocked South Africa. They ran down a target when South Africa had been overwhelming favourites. Colin Ackermann and Bas de Leede demonstrated world-class skills.
The Dutch also carry great fielding. They are so athletic, they catch people off guard. They train hard with limited resources.
Cricket Infrastructure in the Netherlands
The Netherlands faces unique challenges. The general public does not take to the game of cricket. Football dominates Dutch sports culture. Finding places to practice is difficult.
But the Dutch Cricket Board works its socks off. They operate youth programs in schools. They work with communities where cricket is already popular, particularly with immigrant groups. Slowly, the sport is growing.
Scotland, Namibia and Other Emerging Teams
And other teams are winning games:
Scotland
Scotland came close to securing a spot in the 2023 Cricket World Cup. They have defeated elite teams before. Some of the players, Richie Berrington and Safyann Sharif in particular, have been consistent.
Scotland’s cricket is expanding itself due to improved coaching programs and youth investments. Their league is getting better.
Namibia
Namibia was a surprise package of the 2021 T20 World Cup. They overcame Ireland and progressed into the Super 12 stage. They owe much to David Wiese, the former South Africa international for that.
Namibia proved that the smallest countries can also stand and deliver. They number some 2.5 million people. But they beat teams from countries a lot bigger than their own.
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Cricket is taking off in the UAE. Dubai and Abu Dhabi host many international matches. This exposure is good for their national team.
The UAE has a squad made up of players from various nationalities. They have played in several World Cups and still are growing.
How New Teams Are Redefining the Game
The emergence of these sides is having actual impacts on cricket:
More Competitive Tournaments
World Cups are not predictable anymore. Upsets happen regularly. Fans are involved because any team can win on a particular day.
The Cricket World Cup 2023 saw several upsets. Afghanistan beat strong teams. Despite their unfamiliarity with the tournament, the Netherlands were competitive.
Global Spread of the Sport
Cricket is nowadays not restricted to some nations. It is played across continents:
Asia: Afghanistan, Nepal, Oman
Europe: Netherlands, Scotland, Ireland
Africa: Namibia, Uganda, Kenya
Americas: USA, Canada
USA is in fact even the host of the 2024 T20 World Cup (along with West Indies). This is an indication of the spread of cricket internationally.
Economic Impact
More teams mean more matches. More matches equals more broadcasting rights deals. Cricket’s economic pie is growing.
Franchise leagues are multiplying all over the place. Major League Cricket USA began in 2023. Players from developing countries get paid handsomely in these leagues.
Youth Inspiration
Young boys in places like Afghanistan and Ireland can now dream of playing cricket professionally. They watch their heroes on TV. They know it is possible.
New countries are launching cricket academies. Coaching standards are improving. A next generation will be more powerful still.
The Role of T20 Leagues Across The Globe
Franchise leagues have been terrific for young cricketers. They are good paying leagues and levels of exposure.
Indian Premier League (IPL)
Cricket’s most lucrative league is the IPL. Players from Afghanistan, Ireland, Netherlands and other emerging nations play with the best in the world. They learn from experienced teammates. They win money that will alter their destinies.
Rashid Khan was sold for more than 2 million dollars in IPL Auctions. That’s life-changing money for an Afghanistan player.
Other Major Leagues
Big Bash League (Australia): Features players from Ireland and Netherlands
Caribbean Premier League: Brings recognition for players from the associate nations
Major League Cricket (USA): A new league opens the door for professional cricket
The Hundred (England): Short format, with an interesting mix of talent
These leagues scout talent globally. A strong performance can result in signing a contract worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Challenges Still Facing Emerging Teams
Even with strides made, these squads confront major challenges:
Limited Bilateral Series
The best teams never play bilateral series (series involving only two teams) with little known, weaker or emerging teams. They like playing traditional rivals because it means more money and attention.
This also means up and coming teams get less opportunities to play competitive cricket. They know they get chances only during World Cups.
Funding Gaps
The disparity in funding is huge. England’s cricket board operates with budgets in hundreds of millions. The board in Afghanistan works on a tiny fraction of that budget.
This affects everything:
- Quality of coaching
- Training facilities
- Player salaries
- Support staff
- Medical facilities
Home Ground Disadvantages
A lot of upstart teams can’t play home matches. India is the “home” ground for Afghanistan. Ireland has happened to play some of its games in England. This affects team morale and fan confidence.
Home-field advantage is a real thing in sports. It gives players confidence. Emerging teams don’t realize this advantage as much.
Player Retention
Because brilliant players are occasionally eligible to compete for other countries. They are lured by better pay and opportunities. This brain drain dilutes developing teams.
What the ICC Is Doing (and Should Do More)
There have been a few positive steps from the International Cricket Council:
Increased World Cup Participation
More teams are entering the World Cup. The T20 World Cup comprises 20 teams. That, in turn, will provide valuable practice to emerging nations.
Development Programs
The ICC operates development programs in several countries. They offer coaching, equipment and benefits for grassroots cricket.
Ranking Systems
The associate nations now have rankings. This provides them with exposure and acknowledgement.
What More Is Needed
But the ICC should do more, critics argue:
- Ensure more games: Top teams forced to face developing nations more often
- New revenue sharing: More cash for developing cricket nations
- Better scheduling: Include more up and coming teams in major tournaments
- Support for women’s cricket: Assist countries to develop women teams
The Future Looks Bright
Even though it’s uphill, developing cricket countries have bright future:
Technology and Training
Training is more attainable with today’s technology. Players can watch videos online. Virtual coaching is possible. Analytics help teams improve faster. For more insights on how to search for cricket training resources and player statistics, technology has made information more accessible than ever.
Growing Fan Base
Social media connects fans worldwide. Supporters from rising nations can more easily follow their teams. This leads to a virtuous circle of backing and financing.
Youth Development
Youth cricket is flourishing in countries. Young players are being taught better at an earlier stage. The pool of talent is growing fast.
More Opportunities
As cricket becomes visible around the world, more options are available. New leagues start. Broadcasting deals expand. Sponsorship money increases.
Success Stories That Inspire
Here we take a look at some of those cases:
Rashid Khan (Afghanistan)
From refugee camp to cricket superstar. Rashid makes millions and is beloved around the world. To millions of young Afghans, he is a beacon of hope.
Paul Stirling (Ireland)
Ireland’s all-time leading run-scorer who remained loyal to his country despite overtures from England. It is his dependability that has kept Irish cricket competitive.
Roelof van der Merwe (Netherlands)
A South African native who opted to play for Netherlands. His exposure lifted Dutch cricket.
The following players are evidence that talent comes from all places. They encourage young people to dream and dream big.
Impact on Traditional Cricket Powers
Traditional cricket countries are feeling the impact as well, with the emergence of various teams:
Wake-Up Call
Teams like England and Australia can no longer afford an off day. Any game can be lost. That makes them better cricketers.
Increased Competition
The more competitive the teams, the more fluid the rankings every week. No team can relax. This raises the standard of cricket around the world.
Tactical Evolution
Emerging teams bring fresh tactics. They don’t fear playing the game, they simply can’t let themselves be afraid. Traditional teams will have to adjust and get creative to try to keep pace.
Cricket’s Path to Olympic Inclusion
Cricket goes global, and that’s a powerful argument for Olympic inclusion. The International Olympic Committee craves sports that are truly global.
Since cricket is played across several nations on continents, the Olympic inclusion of the sport would be more appealing. The time-frame for T20 cricket, an abbreviated format of the game, would lend itself to Olympic scheduling.
If cricket is in the Olympics, small teams will receive more help and notice. This could greatly speed along their progress. The International Cricket Council continues to work toward this goal.
Conclusion
The emergence of new powerhouses in cricket is one of sport’s greatest stories and the rise of Afghanistan may well be unparalleled. Teams from Afghanistan, Ireland, Netherlands, Scotland, Namibia — and plenty of others — are proving that passion and talent can matter more than tradition or money.
These new teams are making cricket better. They make tournaments more exciting. They inspire young players worldwide. They are proof that dreams are possible anywhere, even in your birthplace.
Yes, challenges remain. Funding gaps exist. Opportunities are still limited. But progress is undeniable. Cricket is becoming truly global. Because of these new powerhouses, the sport is richer, more diverse and more enticing.
We should celebrate these teams, as fans. We should demand that cricket’s governing bodies find ways to offer them more opportunities not for our own satisfaction, or even to advance the cause of equality, but because it is their due. We ought to get behind them, because they make cricket better for us all.
Cricket is in safe hands. And it sprawls far beyond the old number of nations. The game is changing. And it is changing for the good.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Which new test side has been most impressive in recent years?
The sharpest improvement has been in Afghanistan. From refugee camps to Test status in less than 20 years. Their players are now competing in the best leagues around the world.
Q2: Why are new teams better in T20 than other formats?
T20 cricket has been briefer and more unpredictable. Individual brilliance can decide games. Start-up teams don’t have to have decades of experience to be on par. And any team can be defeated with a good batting or bowling performance.
Q3: Are players from new test-playing nations profitable in cricket?
Some, from up-and-coming countries, earn decent money in franchise leagues such as the IPL. But their national cricket boards have far smaller budgets than those of the established cricket countries.
Q4: Can the new teams play Test cricket?
Some can. Afghanistan and Ireland have now been granted Test status. Yet they also feature in very few Tests compared to the traditional Test nations. The majority of the emerging teams play T20I or ODI.
Q5: What is the greatest hurdle for developing cricket nations?
The major challenge is limited fixtures against top teams. Most developing countries only get competitive games during World Cups. They also need more regular matches to develop consistently.
Q6: Are more countries playing cricket in future?
Yes, cricket is expanding globally. Cricket leagues are taking shape in both Europe and the Americas. The sport will continue to grow quickly, with the presence in multi-sport games and possibility of it being in the Olympics.
Q7: How can fans encourage more developing cricket teams?
Watch their games when they are on TV, follow them on social media, purchase their merchandise and demand that cricket administrators schedule more matches for these teams. They realize this demand when fans turn out, supporting their favorite teams!
Q8: Can those emerging team players play in major leagues?
Yes, players of any nationality can play in franchise leagues if they are picked. Many Afghan, Irish and Dutch cricketers as well as other players are now part of those leagues purely on the basis of performance and skills.
