As a cricketer I want the game to be globalised as much as possible and, according to me, this [2019 World Cup] is a backwards step.

The lesser teams have, in each and every World Cup, they always surprise top teams. And they can do it on a consistent basis only if they're given a fair platform to express their talent.

- Sachin Tendulkar

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is the global governing body for international cricket with 10 full members, 38 associate members and 57 affiliate members. It is the steward of all things cricket and cricket fans like us all over the world trust this organization to make sure that our beloved game remains exciting, thrilling and enjoyable. It is their responsibility to globalize the game and help upstart members nurture the game in their countries. However with the 2019 World Cup, they are taking a huge step backwards that will turn cricket into a ivory tower.

So, what is so horrible about #CWC19?

The 2019 World Cup will feature only 10 teams, down from 14 teams in 2011 and 2015. The host nation England and the top 7 teams in the ICC rankings as on 30 September 2017 will earn automatic qualification. All the other teams are relegated to fighting it out for the 2 remaining spots in the 2018 Cricket World Cup Qualifier in Bangladesh.

World Cup is the only time where associate nations get the opportunity to play with the top nations. It is crucial for the associate nations to play the top dogs to improve their game and rise up on the ladder of international cricket. Time and again many associate teams and their players have shown that they have talent and the potential to compete in on world stage. And for 2019 the ICC has decided to deny most them this chance.

This will definitely improve the TRP and ICC's bottom line but it will be very bad for the game in the long run.

We want ICC to increase the number of spots for associate nations in #CWC19. We want these upstart teams to have their chance to shine. Calling on all cricket lovers around the globe to help us spread our voice and protect the game we love the most from own guardians.

- A Cricket Lover