Associates Shining at 2015 Cricket World Cup, Highlighting ICC's Flawed Vision

Fun. Joyful. Uplifting.

Skilful, too. 

That's what the Associates have been throughout the opening week of 2015 Cricket World Cup.

On Monday, we were treated to Ireland's emphatic victory over the West Indies at the truly gorgeous Saxton Oval in Nelson, where the Irish chased down 305 with ease. Yes, the Caribbean outfit are a mess at present, but the men in green were, well, damn good—like they've often been at the World Cup. 

The following day, our eyes were allowed to feast on Scotland's glorious uniforms, proudly showing off some tartan sleeves that defied the array of minimalist sporting kits we see everywhere. Oh, and the Scots claimed seven New Zealand wickets in 24 overs in Dunedin.

Who saw that coming after they'd posted just 142?

Next up, and possibly the best of all, were Afghanistan at Manuka Oval in Canberra.

Hamid Hassan's headband was brilliant. Just like his bowling.

Shapoor Zadran's epic run up, one that felt like it started in Melbourne, was brilliant. Just like his bowling.

Their captain, Mohammad Nabi, could give it a clobber, too. 

Then came the United Arab Emirates, with two 43-year-old's—Khurram Khan and Mohammad Tauqir—and the oldest squad in the tournament. A dad's army of sorts who took it up to Zimbabwe, also in the picturesque setting in Nelson.  

Khan put together an important 45, while Tauqir bagged himself a pair of wickets.

Aiding them was Shaiman Anwar, a player who made his one-day international debut a year ago as a 34-year-old, with a rapid 67.

What a week it's been for the Associates, for the World Cup. A week-long exhibition of blissful passion and feel-good moments. And excitement. An indication of the game's growth outside the traditional nations and a sneak preview into just how good this global tournament could become if the current trajectory were to continue.

But it won't. Not in the immediate future anyway; the next two World Cups in 2019 and 2023 will feature only the top 10 countries.

"Fun. Joyful. Uplifting." That will be replaced by, "Insular. Repetitive. Damaging."

For the International Cricket Council, the opening week of this World Cup probably couldn't have gone any worse; the game's governing body really needed dull thrashings to follow dull thrashings to justify the tournament's immediate 10-team future.  

This past week has shown exactly how flawed the ICC's vision is in that regard. The World Cup is the biggest tool cricket has for the game's growth, yet the next two editions of it will promote exclusivity.  

Basically, two decades of investment into the broadening of the game's borders will be disregarded over the next eight years. 

All in the short-sighted pursuit of the TV dollar—the pursuit of more Australia vs. England, more India vs. Pakistan. 

Ch-ching. 

Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

And yet, the opening week of the 2015 World Cup has shown us that the tournament is about so much more than the world's established sides. The Associates aren't just fillers; they're drawcards. Without them, the tournament barely differs from the rest of the 50-over cricket we watch in between World Cups. 

Take last Saturday's opening games, for example.

In Melbourne, Australia mauled England, just as they'd done right throughout the triangular series.

In Christchurch, New Zealand thrashed Sri Lanka, just as they'd done for most of their seven-game series in January. 

The opening day of the 2015 World Cup basically featured repeats of contests we'd just seen. Reruns, if you like. 

The prize is different, yes. But the format, the rules, the game's dynamic, its path: it's all basically the same.

Phil Walter/Getty Images

In contrast, the Associates have been a joy to watch, their four games thus far easily the collective highlight of the tournament.  

From headbands and colossal run ups, to tartan and Khurram Khan, the Associates have defined this World Cup already. 

Enjoy it while it lasts.