Performance in World Cups (WC 2015) should not be used as a criterion for gaining test status. Same thing happened in BD’s case as well (WC 1999).
My suggestion:
Lesser teams should randomly play 3-day matches against visiting test teams in different countries to see if they are really good enough for the longer format. Decide on their potential after a 4 or 5 year cycle based on their performances. This would give them international exposure as well
For example RSA is touring England. Invite one of the two teams (Afghanistan, Ireland) to play one 3-day match against RSA. Similarly India is visiting Windies shortly. Invite the other team to the Caribbean to play one 3-day game against India. This is a better way of assessing a team’s potential imo
wow thats some news. A surprising one. I always thought ICC is not in a mood to expand.
Well we’ll see. I think Ireland is a better team. Afghos are way too arrogant already i’m not so impressed with them either way but I think they are a better T20 side. They cant survive a 5 day game.
I also think that this is a mistake and it’s premature. Asif’s suggestion to invite them to 3-day matches against established Test teams makes a lot of sense. ODI and T20 performances do NOT give you an indication about a team’s ability to play Test Cricket.