Ireland's Inter-Provincial Championship granted first-class status
Friday 14 October 2016 20:09, UK
Ireland's hopes of playing Test cricket have improved after their domestic league was granted first-class status by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
First-class cricket has been seen as a necessary requirement for associate nations looking to step into the Test arena and Cricket Ireland's request for elevation has been given the green light.
The Inter-Provincial Championship was promoted by the ICC chief executives' committee at their board meeting in Cape Town, boosting Ireland's hopes of playing their first Test match by 2019.
Ireland coach John Bracewell said: "First-class cricket is the vital link between part-time cricket and the full commitment of the international game.
"It is connected to your value in world cricket, historically. This to me is key for Irish-based players willing to make the sacrifices necessary to reach the standards required to compete at the pinnacle of our sport.
"Over the last two seasons watching domestic cricket in Ireland, I have seen consistent performances from top-quality cricketers who deserve to have these recognised.
"The standard of play is not only highly competitive but also first-class in its output."
ICC chief executive David Richardson added: "Cricket Ireland's Inter-Provincial Championship is well structured and provides a clear pathway for players from under-age through to inter-provincial to the national team.
"The Championship is professionally run, played mainly in international standard venues and some games are live streamed and I'd like to commend Cricket Ireland on the work they have done to achieve first-class domestic status."
Ireland have also been awarded £410,000 by the ICC to help arrange and host one-day international and Twenty20 fixtures, matching last year's funding.
