Not everyone will list these twelve as the senior Associates but five have played in ICC World Cups. All but USA have reached the Semi Finals of ICC Trophies.USA played once in the Champions Trophy.
USA has the largest number of clubs but probably the smallest youth programme and has undoubtedly the smallest proportion of indigenous players but it remains the sleeping giant with huge potential! However its apparently endemic mismanagement has led to suspension removing it from all ICC competitions,adult and youth.Readmitted several levels lower it failed to make the finals and promotion in World Cricket League 5 in Jersey 2008 much to much surprise.
Kenya, Namibia,Netherlands, Scotland, Ireland and Canada are the leaders of this group but it is difficult to envisage how any of them will make the transition from amateur(or part time pro) to full time professional squads. Nevertheless ICC is spending a great deal of money with the elite senior associates to develop players but not often the facilities.
A major problem for all the major associates is that star individuals leave their home country to try their luck with test playing countries and or to play professional county cricket in UK. As a result the national team is not always at its strongest. Indeed when some players get picked for England usually to be discarded just as quickly they then have to re-qualify for their home country and that takes four years.
The introduction of the ICC Intercontinental Cup has been a great boost for the senior Associates giving leading players exposure to the 4 day 1st class game. However it would be much more meaningful if it led to the winner playing the bottom country of the Test playing league table even with no guarantees of elevation should they win.
Possibly of more immediate consequence has been the elevation to official one day international status of the top six giving them the opportunity weather permitting of lucrative one day international festivals with one or more test countries. Such extra international competitions also help promote the game far and wide within the associates' territory.
Eight of this list participate in the ICC Intercontinental Cup.In truth Denmark seemed to have slipped backwards in recent years while Malaysia,and indeed Uganda are improving their competitiveness at the top level of Associates cricket.
The organisation for one day international purposes of all associates and affiliates has also given a clear route for the ambitious minnows to reach a full World Cup.
It is possible the Twenty20 format may provide the basis for a commercial spectator sport in some of the associates.
