Tendulkar reiterates support for Associate nations in World Cup

India's batting great Sachin Tendulkar has once again thrown his support behind Associate nations, calling on the International Cricket Council to provide more opportunities for these teams in the sport's pinnacle events.

The ICC came under severe criticism from supporters of nations like Ireland and Afghanistan after it proposed a 10-team World Cup in 2019 unlike the 2015 edition where 14 teams participated.

Associate nations like Afghanistan and Oman produced some top-quality performances in the qualifying round for the ongoing World T20, with the former continuing their spirited run in group games against Sri Lanka and South Africa.

Meanwhile, rain played a spoilsport in some of the matches and hampered the progress of teams like Netherlands and Ireland.

In the wake of Afghanistan's spirited show against South Africa, former England skipper Michael Vaughan reiterated his criticism of the 10-team format that has been agreed for the next World Cup and urged the cricket's governing body to rethink their decision.

Echoing similar views, Tendulkar said on Twitter, "Completely agree. Spirit & performance of teams like Afghanistan & Oman echo the need for more teams at WC & beyond!"

Afghanistan will next play against England in their penultimate Group 1 showdown in New Delhi on Wednesday.