ICC confirms WC slashed to 10 teams

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MUMBAI, Apr 5 (AFP): The International Cricket Council has confirmed a controversial decision to slash the 2015 and 2019 World Cups to just 10 teams, despite widespread objections. The world governing body endorsed the move at an executive board meeting in Mumbai, following Saturday's thrilling World Cup final when India lifted the trophy after a tournament featuring 14 teams. "The executive board confirmed their decision made in October 2010 that the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 in Australia and New Zealand and the ICC Cricket World Cup in England in 2019 will be a 10-team event," a media release said. The move comes despite support from prominent figures for "minnow" nations such as Ireland, Kenya, Canada and the Netherlands, all of whom took part in the 2011 edition. Ireland pulled off one of the shocks of the just-concluded tournament jointly hosted by India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka when they came from behind to beat England by three wickets in a thrilling group stage clash. "I really enjoy seeing the minnow teams getting an opportunity to be honest," Australia captain Michael Clarke said Monday, echoing earlier comments by England spinner Graeme Swann.