Test status of cricket-playing countries
The International Cricket Council (ICC) governs Test status, a category of international cricket. To be considered a Test-playing nation, a country must play at most three Test matches per year. An associate nation can join the Intercontinental Cup if it reaches this level. This is a two year competition of first-class nations.
Ireland and Afghanistan recently became full members of the ICC. This makes them the 11th & 12th Test playing countries. The decision was unanimously made by the ICC's Board. Afghanistan and Ireland had applied previously to be elevated to full membership of the organization.
Association of cricket-playing states
Many countries play cricket. Many of them are full members of ICC (Association of cricket-playing countries). These countries are able send a representative squad to Test matches, and they have full voting rights at ICC meetings. They are also automatically qualified to play ODIs and T20Is. Australia, New Zealand Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe and England are full members. Some countries were initially associate members, but later became full members.
There are currently twenty nations that play One-Day International cricket. Ten of these were selected for the World Cup last year. Scotland was the only nation not to qualify. The coronavirus pandemic has thrown the sport into disarray and exposed the dire finances of the wealthier cricket nations.
The global development team for ICC
The ICC's global development team for cricket-playing countries is the body responsible for ensuring the growth of cricket in these countries. The team runs qualifying events and administers the investment provided by the ICC to the 92 AMs. This includes the ICC Development Funding Model.
The ICC's role in global development lies in international collaboration. It is crucial for the organization that it collaborates with countries to exchange best practices and best use the region’s infrastructure. It is important that the organization engages with local partners to draw expertise in marketing, sponsorship, and other crucial partnerships. Many member countries are only interested in these areas and don't have the resources or time to effectively implement them.