Irish eyes focus on full Test status

Published on 25/01/2012 03:58

Cricket Ireland have launched an ambitious set of initiatives aimed at fulfilling their dream of becoming a full Test nation by 2020.

Joining the Test ranks has been the ambition of Irish cricket for some time but yesterday’s announcements represent a new level of commitment and will give the International Cricket Council plenty to ponder.

Cricket Ireland chief executive Warren Deutrom unveiled the organisation’s vision in Dublin, including plans to double the contracted player pool to 23, establish a first-class domestic structure for the first time and increase commercial funding behind the sport to pay for extensive grassroots programmes.

Former West Indies international Phil Simmons has also agreed a new contract as coach, keeping him with Ireland until at least the end of 2013.

While the challenges facing Ireland are significant – most obviously the implementation of a viable first-class system and winning the support of the 10 full member nations in the ICC – Deutrom believes the aspiration is a realistic one.

“We have set ourselves a very clear long-term ambition – to become a full Test nation by 2020, nothing less,” he said. “This is not a dreamy aspiration, but a real ambition founded on the playing talent being developed on this island, the growing passion and profile of the game here, a sustained and proven track record of achievement on and off the field, and a clear roadmap for how to get there.”