IRELAND'S gradual and steady progress towards involvement in big-time cricket has been given a notable boost by the award of a match in the 1999 World Cup, most of the games in which will be staged in Britain.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has awarded the match between the West Indies and Bangladesh to Ireland. Unquestionably, this will be the most important and prestigious cricket game ever to be staged in this country. The West Indies have played in Ireland many times down the years - who will forget their historic defeat at Sion Mills in 1969? - but never before in global competition.

Bangladesh and Kenya, as anticipated, have both been granted official one-day international status, with immediate effect. And Bangladesh will make a two-week tour of Ireland next year, playing three-day and one-day matches in the course of their first visit to this country.

In addition, Ireland has been offered tours by Australia A next year and South Africa A in 1999, subject to the approval of the respective countries. This is in line with the recommendations made by Dr Ali Bacher following his fact-finding visit to Ireland last year. His Development Committee has recommended that the full ICC members send A teams to tour the countries awarded one-day status, as well as to those associate members who stand on the brink of such recognition, which latter category includes Ireland, Scotland, Holland and Denmark.

Other recommendations made by Dr Bacher's committee which would have an immediate and dramatic influence on the development of Irish cricket include the appointment of regional development officers, advisers on pitches, a full-time ICC development manager and a full-time director of umpires.

Meanwhile, current Irish Cricket Union president John Wright was elected alternate member of the ICC executive committee. Gavin Craig, ICU chairman, was elected European alternate member of the development committee.