With the news that Ireland are to play in the West Indies' domestic tournament, the Super 50, from January 30th – February 15th begs the question, why has the Regional Test Playing country of the Americas not asked for a select team from the Americas to be put together?
The Americas teams of United States of America, Canada and Bermuda have all reached the World Cup without the help of the West Indies, but now with all three programs having trouble with amateur players the one organization that should step in according to the ICC is the West Indies who should be offering assistance.
One could argue that the West Indies themselves are in a tail spin, however we have not heard from their former captain Brian Lara about his own his own teams poor performances – but we all know why.
Prior to the Bermuda Twenty20 World Cup Qualifiers in Dubai, Lara had a lot to say about Bermuda Cricket and his disappointment, however everyone who knows the facts it was a clear indication to put a negative spin on yet another Bermuda Squad prior to a tournament.
Ireland have been drawn with Guyana, the Windward Islands and Jamaica in Zone A of the eight-team competition.
Ireland's games will take place at the Queen's Park Oval in Trinidad. It will mean a homecoming for Ireland coach Phil Simmons, who is from the island.
The first game against Guyana is on January 31st, followed by the Windward Islands fixture on February 3rd.
The group stage concludes against Jamaica on February 8th with the Semi-Finals on February 12th and 13th and the Final on February 15th.
"It is a fantastic opportunity for Ireland's cricketers to play in this prestigious competition," said Simmons.
"There is no doubt that the matches will be of a high standard and it is a perfect platform for Ireland to show the West Indian public how much their cricket has progressed."
Simmons, who played 169 times for the West Indies in Tests and one-day internationals, believes his squad will be genuine contenders for the competition.
"We won't be going just to make up the numbers - we will be trying to win the trophy.
"We have much to be proud of, having won all three trophies we competed in this year."
Ireland won the World Twenty20 qualifying tournament, the World Cricket League Championship and the Intercontinental Cup in 2013.
