Game will suffer if ICC fail to take action

On Cricket:This weekend Ireland host India and South Africa at Stormont, the first big international games they will play since the World Cup. The matches are important for three reasons: they provide top-class opposition for Ireland's cricketers, encourage interest in the game in Ireland, and will raise money for the ICU.

The dream scenario sees the heroes of the World Cup go head-to- head with two great sides, providing thrilling entertainment in front of a full house. The momentum gained in Jamaica and Barbados is maintained and cricket stays front of mind both around the country and among decision makers in the media.

Both sets of visitors are bringing many of their big names. Crowds gathering in Belfast should get to see at least a few of the following: Kallis, Tendulkar, Dravid, Dhoni, Ntini, Boucher and Gibbs. A very attractive line-up.

However, events over the last week have undermined Ireland's ability to compete against this sort of talent. The team has been severely weakened. Of the 11 players that started the match against Pakistan at Sabina Park on St Patrick's Day, only six are able to be considered for this weekend: Trent Johnston, Kyle McCallan, William Porterfield, Andrew White and the O'Brien brothers Niall and Kevin.

Some of this is down to injury and there have also been retirements. However, most disappointing/inevitable was the withdrawal of Eoin Morgan. The Middlesex player asked not to be selected, choosing to prioritise his Middlesex commitments over those to the national team. He took the step of issuing a statement to explain his decision. One paragraph stood out: "If I had gone away and played for Ireland," wrote Morgan, "Middlesex indicated that if my replacement scored runs, then they would be above me in the fight for places. They weren't in a position to give me any guarantee about my place."

Here, in a nutshell, is the dilemma faced by the ICU and by extension the International Cricket Council (ICC). Followers of Ireland cricket know we've been here before, most recently with Niall O'Brien and Kent. However, since then the ICC has issued a rule that attempts to resolve this issue. Morgan's statement illustrates its futility.

As in every other profession, real life takes place in the gaps between the rules and regulations. The difference between players that make it and those that don't is not just down to ability. It is about relationships, getting on with those who matter. The reverse is also true - it is career suicide to be known as "difficult". By agreeing to release Morgan, Middlesex have complied with the letter of the ICC rules. However, it is a form of institutional cowardice to shift the responsibility for this decision on to a 20-year-old.

Of course, given a future as a professional cricketer, with a shout at a long and lucrative career Morgan is going to toe the line. What's his alternative? Wait around for the ICU to come up with pro contracts, and for Ireland to become a Test nation? He'd be daft to jeopardise his future on that basis. More broadly, the ICC's attempts at spreading the game will forever stumble unless they take these types of decisions out of the hands of the individual player.

The impact may be felt this weekend. Fingers crossed the team will compete against India and South Africa and the crowds will see some spirited and purposeful cricket. But it is not the pre-game marketing that the ICU would have wanted, particularly when the public are being asked to fork out €52.50 to get through the gate.