Associate Nations in Cricket — The World Beyond the Big 12
Over 100 nations play cricket at international level. Learn about Associate and Affiliate cricket nations, their pathways, and notable rising teams.
What Are Associate Nations?
Associate Members of the ICC are nations that play international cricket but do not have Full Member status — meaning they do not play Test cricket. There are approximately 90 Associate Members spread across five global regions. Associate nations compete in ICC qualifying tournaments for World Cup spots, and the strongest Associates regularly appear in T20 and ODI World Cups.
Pathway to Full Membership
Achieving ICC Full Member status requires demonstrating sustainable cricket infrastructure, a professional domestic competition, financial stability, and a playing standard proven in international competition. Ireland (2017) and Afghanistan (2017) are the most recent nations to achieve Full Member status and Test-playing rights. Before them, Bangladesh joined in 2000 and Zimbabwe in 1992.
Notable Associate Nations
- Netherlands — regular T20 World Cup participants; upset England in the 2022 T20 World Cup.
- Namibia — appeared in the 2021 T20 World Cup; upset a Full Member in qualifying.
- Scotland — appeared in multiple T20 World Cups; regularly competitive in Associate cricket.
- USA — co-hosts (with West Indies) the 2024 T20 World Cup; made the Super 8 by defeating Pakistan.
- Canada — has historical significance as the opponent in the world's first international cricket match (1844).
- Papua New Guinea — regular T20 World Cup qualifier from the East Asia-Pacific region.
- Oman and UAE — neutral-venue hosts for ICC events; growing cricket infrastructure.
The 2024 T20 World Cup Upset — USA vs Pakistan
One of cricket's biggest upsets occurred at the 2024 T20 World Cup in the USA: the United States cricket team defeated Pakistan — a Full Member and ranked team — in a Super Over. The match was played at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York. Pakistan included Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi — yet lost to the co-hosts. This result galvanised discussion about the genuine growth of cricket in Associate nations.
Frequently asked questions
Can Associate nations play in the Cricket World Cup?
Yes — both the T20 World Cup and ODI World Cup include slots for qualifying Associate nations. The T20 World Cup has expanded to 20 teams, providing more opportunities. The ODI World Cup has 10 teams, with fewer Associate spots, but qualifying rounds give Associates a chance.
What is the first international cricket match ever played?
The first recorded international cricket match was played in September 1844 between Canada and the United States — decades before England vs Australia's first 'Test' in 1877. The Canada-USA match is recognised as the first international cricket fixture in history.