Clashes between the likes of Kenya and Canada could become more regular in the future

Currently there are only one-day competitions between the ICC's affiliate members - teams such as Canada, Holland, Namibia and the United States of America.

But the ICC could develop a more rigid structure to give those countries wider experience.

ICC development manager Andrew Eade told the BBC Sport website: "On top of the one-day contests, there could be a longer version intercontinental championship in the future.

"There is a train of thought that those countries need to establish their skills in a Test-style arena and then adapt them for the one-day game.

"So playing each other on a regular basis could be the way forward."

Kenya have proved, following their World Cup win over Sri Lanka, that some developing cricket nations are closing the gap on the more established names.

Unless they play Test cricket, the minnows won't be able to challenge the more established nations in the future ICC development manager Andrew Eade

But Australia's 256-run victory over Namibia and South Africa's 118-run win against Canada show there is still an enormous gulf in class.

Eade added: "There's obviously some ground to make up but Kenya have shown you can get to a good level without longer version cricket.

"Most of the Kenyans would never have played it. And unless they do, they won't be able to challenge the more established Test playing nations in the future."

Minnows to play more cricket

The ICC's plans come a week after the announcement of the World Cup Qualifying Series.

The programme will have the ICC's 27 affiliate members and 47 associate members split into small groups of similar ability with promotions and relegations on the lines of the Davis Cup in tennis.

Attention grabbing

Post-World Cup, the ICC is also turning much of its attention to the Americas, in a bid to spread interest in the sport.

The USA is currently one of its big targets with some 10,000 players already taking part in the sport and interest gradually increasing.

Despite insisting Test-style cricket is the way forward for such countries, Eade believes a reduced version of one-day cricket is also needed to spark interest in the States.

He added: "Test cricket just won't grab people's attention there. Even one-day cricket will be too long.

"The way forward would be to launch a shorter version of one-day cricket, like Max cricket in New Zealand or the 20s game that England has taken on."