The teams of Ireland and Afghanistan have been granted test status by ICC. The decision was taken by consensus during the Counsel Meeting of International Cricket Council that was held in London. Both these teams have become full members of ICC which automatically grants them status of test playing countries according to the new procedure adopted by ICC.
Shafiq Stanikzai, Chief Executive of Afghan Cricket Board, said after the decision that it is a great achievement for the whole Afghan nation and they are celebrating it as a gift before Eid.
Affiliated membership with ICC has also been ended by the committee. Now, the status of associate members has been given to all the affiliated members and ICC will only include full and associate members from now on. Apart from that, there is also a change in the voting system of ICC Board as votes of both full and associate members will be equal and 2/3 majority is required to pass any resolution.