AFTER the first week of the ICC World Twenty20 Championships, all the talk has once again veered around the top names in running for the silverware. The established ones are gunning for glory with their usual firepower but at the same time one light-arc has firmly settled on the small wonders who have staged a big show in their own right in the tournament. Not all the minnows (or weak teams) might make the upper grade in the tournament but they have made a solid statement to the cricketing world -- They Are No Pushovers Anymore. In fact, this has become a recurring theme of all ICC white-ball tournaments. The Associate Members and supposedly weak teams have always punched above their weight, sometimes causing upsets.

 

The defeat of Australia at the hands of Zimbabwe in the ongoing edition is another example of how small teams have proved equal to their competitors. Last edition had seen the United States of America (USA) defeating Pakistan to knock them out of the tournament. The same USA have given a good account of themselves yet again in this tournament. Another story that caught the imagination of the cricketing world was delivered by Nepal who nearly caused an upset before England prevailed by just four runs in their opening game. Newcomers Italy have become instant stars by scoring their maiden victory in the ICC tournament. It was a week of small teams rising on the big stage without fear. Over the years, the ICC World Cups have seen smaller nations and associate members raising the bar. It is a welcome step in globalisation of the game even as the International Cricket Council (ICC) chalks out more exposure tournaments for Associate Members.

 

The qualification of Italy and consistent appearance of Namibia proves that the investment in bearing fruits. It is a significant development in creating more competition and make cricket a truly global game. Former India captain and batting legend Sachin Tendulkar has always championed the cause of Associate Nations. He has backed his valid points with statistics and history which shows smaller nations have flourished in the competition against the Test-playing countries over the years. Many have sprung surprises while teams like Afghanistan have steadily climbed the ladder to become a worthy competitor.

 

This progression proves the success of the ICC programme for newcomers. The governing body now needs to go a step up and arrange exposure tours for Associate Nations against top Test-playing countries. Inviting Associate Nations in domestic tournaments in India, England, Australia or South Africa should be the way forward for the ICC. It calls for a collective deliberation among the Test-playing nations to find windows for a limited series against the Associate Nations. The onus also lies on the cricket boards of the emerging teams. In most cases, teams are formed with immigrants from Asian nations who get early exposure to the game during their formative years. The Associate Nations must chalk out programmes to invest in local talent for the future. A right mix of locals and immigrants can add teeth to their challenge.