Dravid backs Associates, suggests 14-team World Cup

Melbourne, March 16: Former India captain Rahul Dravid on Monday came out in support of the continued presence of Associate nations at the cricket World Cup, saying the participation of non-Test playing countries is the least cricket can do for them. Dravid was reacting to the International Cricket Council's (ICC) proposal of having only 10 teams in the 2019 World Cup to be held in England. The former right-handed batsman, who played 164 Tests and 344 One-Day Internationals (ODI), feels that being a part of the mega event, countries like Ireland, Afghanistan, the United Arab Emirates and Scotland will grow massively. "I just know how important this is for the growth of their game to be seen at a World Cup, the games being telecast live back home in terms of sponsorship, government funding. It's so important for them to be a part of this premier event. That's the least cricket can do," he said. The 42-year-old was firm in his opposition to the ICC's decision to reduce the 2019 World Cup to 10 teams, saying 14 is a good number.