Associates need 'more opportunities against best nations' - Saad Bin Zafar

Saad Bin Zafar, the former captain of the Canadian cricket team, has urged the International Cricket Council (ICC) to provide more opportunities for associate nations to compete against top-tier teams. His call comes in the wake of a growing recognition of the need for greater exposure and experience for these nations to improve their competitive edge in the global cricketing landscape. Zafar emphasized that regular matches against leading cricketing nations could significantly enhance the skills and performance of players from associate nations like Canada. He believes that the current framework does not adequately support these teams in gaining the necessary experience to challenge more established cricketing nations. The ICC has been under pressure to ensure a more inclusive approach towards associate members, particularly as the popularity of cricket continues to grow in non-traditional markets. Zafar's comments highlight the ongoing discussion about the future of cricket and the importance of nurturing talent in countries that are still developing their cricketing infrastructure and capabilities.