Intro
Associate nations seek regular fixtures, united push for global growth
Mumbai
The packed international cricket calendar has made it “really tough” for Associate nations to secure meaningful exposure against established sides, Cricket Scotland chief executive Trudy Lindblade said, urging greater unity among emerging members.
Scotland were not part of the original 20-team roster for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup but earned a late entry after Bangladesh declined to tour India. Placed in Group C, the Scots finished third with one win from four matches, bowing out after a defeat to Nepal.
Lindblade stressed that limited access to regular fixtures remains a key hurdle. “It is really tough because that crowded schedule is making it harder for us to get more content. We need to work collectively,” she said, highlighting the need for a consolidated front among Associate members within the International Cricket Council structure.
While matches against heavyweights such as England cricket team and Australia national cricket team are valuable, Lindblade said a broader mix of competitive fixtures would better aid development. “You don’t always have to play the Englands and Australias of the world. A variety of opposition helps improve our cricket,” she noted.
She also pointed to new opportunities, including the upcoming European T20 Premier League, where Scotland are founding partners alongside Ireland and the Netherlands. The league, she said, represents an exciting step in strengthening Europe’s cricketing footprint.
On Scotland’s late inclusion in the World Cup, Lindblade rejected suggestions of unfairness. “I wouldn’t say it’s unfair. I’d take it as an opportunity,” she said, adding that the team embraced the challenge with a fearless mindset.
“We showed the might and fight of Scotland,” she said, expressing pride in the team’s spirited campaign.