World Cup minnows share $1 million boost

Cricket minnows Canada, Kenya, Namibia and the Netherlands will share a one-million-dollar fund to help them prepare for the 2003 World Cup.

The money from the International Cricket Council (ICC) will be used to stage tournaments and tours as well as to provide coaching and planning.

"There is an enormous gap in playing standards between hardened Test teams of full-time professionals and the part-time players from associate member countries," ICC development manager Andrew Eade said.

"The aim of this 18-month programme of intensive playing and coaching support is to give the four non-test teams as much preparation as possible."

The Netherlands qualified for the World Cup as winners of the ICC Trophy in Toronto earlier this month, with Namibia joining them as runners-up and Canada as the third-placed team.

Kenya already holds one-day international status, guaranteeing automatic entry to the World Cup.

Kenya have played in the last two World Cups, beating West Indies in 1996, while the Dutch featured in 1996.

Canada took part in the 1979 tournament while Namibia will be making their debut in 2003.

Mail Cricket Editor