ICC Associate Members team can be world beater if world body think about them in a serious note, after this T20world cup

By Rahul Das

Associate nations did not just participate at the 2026 T20 World Cup — they shifted the narrative. From Italy’s Mosca brothers dismantling Nepal to Zimbabwe stunning Australia and Nepal stretching England to the final ball, the tournament exposed how quickly the competitive gap is narrowing.But once the global spotlight fades, the structural imbalance returns.

Speaking at an promotional event, Aaron Finch and Dale Steyn addressed what must change if these performances are to become the norm rather than isolated flashes.

International cricket must remain the anchor

For Finch, the foundation of the game cannot be allowed to erode under the weight of expanding franchise leagues.“International cricket still [is] the pinnacle for me,” Finch said, reinforcing his belief that bilateral and ICC competitions remain the sport’s ultimate benchmark.He acknowledged the economic reality shaping the calendar but warned that growth cannot be incidental. “I understand how hard it is getting because of so many T20 leagues popping up and all competing for the same space. But we have to find a way to continue to grow that game globally… giving Associate nations more opportunity to play against Full Members on a more regular basis,” he added.

The World Cup, in his view, showed that associate teams no longer lack skill or belief. What they lack is consistent access.The calendar squeeze hurting those who need it most. Steyn echoed that concern, pointing to the crowded cricket ecosystem where commercial leagues dominate prime windows.“Everybody wants a piece of cricket and the problem is that somebody is going to fall short. And most of the time it’s the guys that need it most that fall short. And then when they come to these World Cups, then we can’t stop waxing lyrical at how good they are. But then for the next two, three years. We don’t see them anywhere,” Steyn said.

The pattern is familiar: surprise the world in a global tournament, then disappear into a limited fixture list.Franchise leagues as development accelerator. Yet Steyn does not dismiss leagues as the problem. Instead, he views them as powerful development engines when accessible.“Back in the day, players would go to the IPL to find that kind of experience… at almost an international level,” he said, recalling how overseas exposure once provided the closest thing to elite competition.He believes that domestic franchise structures have since evolved into similar high-performance environments. “Now in South Africa, it’s much the same. You’re rubbing shoulders with the likes of Phil Salt, Nicholas Pooran, Rashid Khan… that wasn’t happening before,” he added, referencing how competitions such as the SA20 now expose local players to global standards.

For Steyn, this environment builds a mentality that carries into international cricket. “Championship teams produce championship cricketers. These guys are familiar with winning; they’re used to the big moments,” he said.The challenge, however, is access. Players from established cricketing nations are embedded in these ecosystems.

Associates often remain on the outside looking in, constrained by limited funding and fewer professional opportunities.Bridging exposure and opportunityThe 2026 T20 World Cup made one thing clear: talent is not confined to Full Members. Italy, Nepal, USA and Zimbabwe proved that depth exists far beyond traditional powerhouses.But as Finch and Steyn outlined, exposure and opportunity must align. Franchise cricket can accelerate development. International cricket must provide continuity. Without both, associate nations risk becoming periodic headline stories rather than permanent competitors.

what ICC can think? Firstly, bilateral T20 series with Associate coutry and Regular Country team. Few 50 overs ODI for 1st year. After assessment of those matches, in future the best performing associate team can be allowed to play 4 days match against Test playing nation’s A Teams….

if Nepal, USA or Canada can break the barriers, ICC will get new Test playing Nation. One day cricket can be world wide popular game.