Opinion: How much did the ICC goof up?

One of the most glaring things that stands out in the current ICC Champions Trophy is that the first round was not really needed. ICC could have very easily picked only the top 8 teams from the rankings and held this tournament. If the first round was necessary for some reason, and Bangladesh may have a view on it, they could have held the first round as “Champions Trophy Qualifying” tournament about 3-4 months in advance, or even in April. Alternatively, they could have tried to have the Champions Trophy qualifying as a 6 nation event, also allowing the top 2 associates to particiapte and get their ‘events’  against test nations. The only problem would have been which associates were the top 2 in ICCs eyes?? If last year’s rankings are to be followed that would have been Kenya and Scotland. If current rankings are to be followed they would have been Kenya and Bermuda !!. I think the best thing would be to look at the WCQS Div 1, and the top 2 from there would particiapte in the Champions Trophy qualifying.

Lets see if this makes sense…… WCQS Div 1 would be in 2007……. Champions Trophy qualifying can be held in May of 2008 between 6 nations……. and the actual Champions Tophy in Sept/Oct of 2008. Sounds like a good plan, except for the fact that so many world events are likely to diminish the value of the World Cup….. but that problem will be there until the ICC is able to get at least 16-20 pre-exodus Zim standard teams in the world…..