Scotland reached the final of this year's ICC Intercontinental Cup

The ICC Intercontinental Cup is to return to a single-division competition, featuring eight nations.

Running from May 2011 until December 2012, Afghanistan, Canada, Ireland, Kenya, Netherlands and Scotland are guaranteed places in the contest.

The remaining two slots will be decided at the ICC World Cricket League Division 2 event, which is scheduled for April 2011 in Dubai.

Scotland lost this year's I-Cup final to Afghanistan in Dubai.

ICC Global Development Manager Matthew Kennedy said: "Due to the Zimbabwe XI no longer participating, it has been decided to revert to the previous I-Cup structure of eight teams with more guaranteed games for all.

"In making this decision, consideration was given to the international cricket opportunities now provided to all 95 associate and affiliate members across all three formats of the game.

"With balancing these formats in mind, it is important to offer the best non-Test-playing nations the opportunity to compete in meaningful multi-day cricket.

"And as a result of this expanded I-Cup, the second division that was the ICC Intercontinental Shield is no longer required."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version