Ireland veteran Paul Stirling has expressed disappointment over the International Cricket Council’s decision to change the format of the upcoming ODI World Cup, saying the revised qualification route creates “another hurdle” for associate nations.
Stirling, 36, spoke to Hindustan Times Digital while representing Belfast Wolves in the inaugural European T20 Premier League (ETPL). The Irish opener said the new tournament has made an encouraging start and could play an important role in developing cricket across Europe.
The ETPL features six teams representing Dublin, Belfast, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Rotterdam and Amsterdam. Backed by Cricket Ireland, Cricket Scotland and the Royal Dutch Cricket Association, the competition has also attracted several high-profile names from international cricket.
Stirling has scored 108 runs in four matches for Belfast Wolves and praised the organisation and standard of the tournament. He also highlighted the value of young European players sharing dressing rooms with experienced overseas stars.
“If you want to grow the game internationally, then I think yeah,” Stirling said, stressing that T20 cricket can help increase participation and exposure. He believes young players could develop faster by learning directly from established international cricketers.
Stirling also spoke highly of Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell, who is a co-owner of Belfast Wolves and has been involved with the team on and off the field.
The presence of Indian cricket personalities has added another layer of attention to the ETPL. Ravichandran Ashwin and Ajinkya Rahane are among the Indian players involved, while former India head coach Rahul Dravid owns one of the teams.
According to Stirling, Indian involvement could bring more spectators and television viewers because of the country's huge global cricket following.
The Irishman also reflected on Ireland's recent T20I series victory over India. Although Stirling missed the matches through injury, he called it one of the best victories in Irish cricket. He felt Ireland made good use of the conditions at Stormont and gave opportunities to players who have since gone on to feature in the ETPL.
On the ODI World Cup format, Stirling admitted that the change was frustrating after Ireland and other teams had spent years preparing for the previously announced 14-team structure.
“It's disappointing for sure,” he said, adding that teams now have to adjust their preparations to the new qualification system.
Stirling acknowledged that Ireland must focus on the immediate challenge rather than look too far ahead. With the qualification process expected to involve another round before reaching the main World Cup, he said there would be “no easy victory” against the other teams competing for a place.
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