Ireland and Afghanistan now both Test cricket nations

In an unprecedented move, the  International Cricket Council (ICC) have upgraded both Afghanistan and Ireland to “Test Cricket status”, up from next level of “Associate nations”, joining the other ten (10) full test playing nations of

1. England – 1877
2. Australia – 1877
3. South Africa – 1889 (12 years later)
4. West Indies – 1928 (39 years later)
5. New Zealand – 1930 (2 years later)
6. India – 1932 ( 2 years later)
7. Pakistan – 1952 (20 years later)
8. Sri Lanka – 1982 (30 years later)
9. Zimbabwe – 1992 (10 years later)
10. Bangladesh – 2000 (8 years later)

This marked the first time since cricket competition began with England and Australia in 1877 that 2 teams have been voted in together.  \

Ireland has beaten 3 test teams (Pakistan, England, and West Indies) in prior World Cups. Afghanistan was able to win an ODI (One Day International) match just about 2 weeks ago over the West Indies, in a drawn series.

Congrats to Ireland and Afghanistan.