Guernsey will be able to get more funding as associate members

Guernsey's cricket team have been promoted to associate member status of the International Cricket Council.

The status, which is one rung below a Test playing nation, means the island is eligible for thousands of pounds of extra funding from the ICC.

"This will take us on to a new level," said Guernsey Cricket Board chairman David Piesing.

The decision comes three years after Guernsey became an affiliate member, allowing them to play internationally.

It was made at the ICC's annual conference in Dubai.

"It means a significant increase in funding which will enable us to really move on quite substantially from where we are to date," added Piesing.

Their excellent facilities will help them to further develop at international level The ICC's Richard Holdsworth

ICC regional development manager Richard Holdsworth said: "Cricket is a well established sport in Guernsey and it is fitting that after only three years of ICC affiliate membership the country has been promoted to an associate member.

"The infrastructure on the island has developed well in recent years with good support of local sponsors and government organisations.

"Their excellent facilities, including grass pitches and a new indoor cricket centre, will help them to further develop at international level."

Guernsey follow Jersey's lead in becoming associate members of the ICC.

Guernsey's Channel Island rivals have since won promotion to the fourth division of the ICC World Cricket league.