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SYDNEY. — The head of the International Cricket Council (ICC) says the world governing body is unlikely to change its plans to reduce the number of teams at the next World Cup despite being impressed by the performances of the Associate nations during the current tournament. The next World Cup in 2019 will be contested by just 10 teams — four less than the 2015 edition — prompting complaints from the sport’s developing teams they are being shut out from the sport’s biggest spectacle.

The ICC chief executive Dave Richardson said the issue over the number of teams for the next World Cup was not set in stone and would be reviewed later this year but he did not expect any changes.

“The decision has been made, as we stand it’s a 10-team tournament at the next World Cup,” Richardson said yesterday.

“We’ve also got the Cricket World Cup qualifier, which has been upgraded and been granted a higher status. Any decision to change the number of teams that qualify will have a knock-on effect for that qualifying tournament.

“There are lots of commercial implications to consider. We also need to have a look at the attendances at all the Associate games, what were the viewing figures, and see where they really stand.” — Reuters.