Uncertainty looms large over Scotland cricket after 2019 WC qualification letdown

The chief executive of Cricket Scotland Malcolm Cannon hints the cricket could be in jeopardy in the region. This came after the rain ruined the chances of the side on Wednesday to qualify for the 2019 World Cup.

Owing to the uncertain future of the cricket, Cannon made a big statement following the controversial virtual semi-final in Harare.

After failing to make it to the 2019 World Cup-leg, Cannon remarked it would somehow reduce the activity.

“The opportunities to actually play cricket are reducing somewhat,” BBC quotes Cannon.

Regarding the financial crunch, the British media suggested Scotland could miss out on the funding of around £700,000.

However, Cannon is unsure regarding the full-time contract of the players for the foreseeable future.

Significantly, it has not been mentioned whether the contracts could be downgraded. But the current scenario suggests Cricket Scotland is facing the heat at the moment.

“It isn’t just financial implications. The ICC don’t offer many opportunities to us,” Cannon remarked.

Cannon further reiterated it is hard to find the window before the World Cup will be held in England next year (2019).

“Going into a World Cup year, the teams we would like to play become very busy. So finding a window in their schedule is very tough,” Cannon maintained.

In June 2018, Scotland is set to face England in a One-off One-day International on June 10.

Moreover, the team will face Pakistan in the two-match Twenty20 Internationals on June 12 and 13 respectively.

“But it’s an opportunities cost. Obviously, it would have been a big bonus had we got there – and I don’t mean player bonuses or payments,” Cannon said.

While talking about reducing the teams in the coveted event, Cannon termed it as a conservative move by the world cricket governing body.

“We have been lobbying the ICC for the last three years, telling them that [reducing the number of teams at the World Cup from 14 to 10] is a retrograde step for cricket globally,” Cannon concluded.

In the Super Six clash of the 2018 World Cup Qualifiers, Scotland made things look worst for the Windies at one stage.

However, rain gods had different on offer for the two-time World Champions-led by Jason Holder.

Moreover, with the rain stopped the play which subsequently resulted in that Scotland were five runs short of what Duckworth-Lewis Method (DLS) had stated.

Scotland restricted Windies at 198 in 48.4 overs. However, Scotland managed to post 125 for five in 35.2 overs when players walked-off the ground. Much to the dismay, the rain ended Scotland’s pursuit.

Apart from the inclement weather, Scotland cricket has rued the controversial decision of Richie Berrington on the bowling on Ashley Nurse.

The right-handed batsman Berrington top-scored with 68-ball 33. His innings included four boundaries.

The 26-year-old right-arm bowler Safyaan Sharif earned Man of the Match for his superb figures of three for 27 in nine overs.

Proving the mettle, Scotland almost gave Zimbabwe run for their money in a thrilling tie after routing impressive Afghanistan.

While reaching the Super Sixes stage, Scotland started off with a win over the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

However, they went onto lose their all-important game against Ireland.

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