IRELAND HAVE BEEN officially elevated to full membership and Test-playing status of the International Cricket Council (ICC) on a landmark afternoon for the sport in this country.

Cricket Ireland’s application to become the 11th full member nation of the ICC was passed in the last hour during the governing body’s annual conference in London.

As well as a significant increase in funding and a seat at the sport’s top table, Ireland will now have the chance to play Test cricket, the format widely considered as the pinnacle of the game.

Today marks the end of a long and winding road for Ireland having knocked relentlessly on the door for further recognition and opportunities over the last 10 years.

Ireland, along with Afghanistan, are the first new Test countries since Bangladesh’s promotion to the sport’s elite club nearly two decades ago.

“We are delighted and proud with today’s historic announcement,” Cricket Ireland CEO Warren Deutrom said.

“It is an extraordinary testament to the talent and endeavour of thousands of passionate players, coaches, volunteers, staff, clubs and committee people.

“We would like to thank most sincerely the ICC and its members for bestowing this honour on us today. It is a reflection not just of our past achievements but of our potential to grow our great game.

“We shall spend the next 24 hours marking the moment and celebrating this great day for Irish cricket and next week the hard work of planning to transition to full membership and Test status begins in earnest.”

ICC chief executive David Richardson added: “I’d like to congratulate Afghanistan and Ireland on their Full Membership status which is the result of their dedication to improving performance both off and on the field resulting in the significant development and growth of cricket in their respective countries. Both have clearly demonstrated they meet the new criteria and as such have made the progression to Full Membership.”

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