The International Cricket Council (ICC) has said that the sole one-day international against England at Malahide on Tuesday is a 'big step' for Irish cricket.
According to the BBC, although the match was won by England, ICC global development manager Tim Anderson was impressed by the showing of 10,000 fans during the game.
Stating that the audience suggested that Ireland is becoming a serious cricket market, Anderson described Ireland as 'probably the most important associate nation', saying that the fact that 10,000 people came for the game is a big step for the country's cricket, adding that there is a growing culture of cricket in Ireland.
According to Anderson, continuing to perform well on the pitch with opportunities like this game and opportunities to perform in World Cups and World Twenty20s is as important as having a very strong governance and administration.
Stating that Ireland may play against full member countries in the coming years, Anderson also said that Irish cricket's governance is one of the best in world cricket, not just in the affiliate and associate countries, adding that Cricket Ireland (CI) has a fantastic CEO in Warren Deutrom and a good management team.
Despite the six-wicket defeat by England, Deutrom felt that there were many positives that could be taken from the country's biggest ever home game, although he admitted that Ireland is not yet in a position to secure Test status.
