5 reasons why Ireland should have received Test status earlier

#2 They had the administration and resources for it

The administration has been able to retain their best players by paying them well

Until recently, Ireland’s central contracts were worth more than those of Bangladesh, who have been a Test nation for 18 years. Well-paid players are a sign of a prospering nation, and Cricket Ireland’s ability to pay its players handsomely is a testament to the fact that they are not to be taken lightly.

Furthermore, their administration is clean of corruption and headed by a group that wants what is best for their country’s game. They hired coaches intelligently, like Phil Simmons, who raised the current crop of players over the eight years he was the coach.

They also had the administrative prowess to consistently manage fixtures against top nations. However, this plan has backfired of late and thorough beatings by Sri Lanka, Pakistan, South Africa, New Zealand, Bangladesh, Australia and Afghanistan have made them seem somewhat hapless.