It's an old cliche that a new year brings expectation and hope, and for the game's expansionists no year has arguably ever promised more than 2001.

That expectation is founded on three elements - an precedented opportunity for countries below One Day International status to snare priceless World Cup berths, the anticipation that comes in an ICC Trophy year, and an ICC development programme that is finally in first gear.

An increase to 14 in the number of countries playing in the World Cup, and automatic qualification for the 2003 event in southern Africa means non-Test cricket's best have never had a better chance to qualify.

Even for those that don't, this year's ICC Trophy is set to be a memorable event, the last held on such a scale before regional qualification reduces the next version to 12 teams.

An example of of the greater exposure non-Test cricketers are getting to high class opposition is the move by the progressive Asian Cricket Council to include United Arab Emirates and Hong Kong, finalists of November's ACC Trophy, in this year's Asia Cup where they will face Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

The five ICC regions now have Development Officers in place, with the word around the campfire being that the latest editions, Matthew Kennedy (East Asia-Pacific) and Robert Weekes (Americas) are good operators who will serve the development process well.

Additionally, from this year, each development region will have its own tournament at both senior and junior levels, meaning all ICC non-Test members at last get the chance to field national teams.

The introduction of under 19 tournaments not only assists in talent identification, but provides countries with a supply of players already experienced at international level should they reach their country's open age team.

And many Associate countries are responding to the opportunities given by the ICC, adopting a professional approach to team performance and junior development. This is evidenced by an increase in the importation of former Test cricketers into national team coaching roles.

Another plus is the ICC's decision to seek International Olympic Committee recognition, a move which gives many Associate countries access to increased government funding.

The number of cricket playing countries with access to the development process will also reach record levels, with at least 10 more countries seeking membership of the ICC, bringing the total to almost 90 (although still too low when compared to over global governing bodies).

There are concerns:

• The value of One Day International status is questionable given Kenya's playing schedule outside the World Cup and ICC Knockout. Attractiveness to television companies, not artificial status, is the crucial factor in securing tournament invitations
• The complete disinterest Australia has in the welfare of cricket in countries in its region. Thankfully, most Test countries do not share their apathy
• Results by the top Associate countries, Ireland, Scotland, Denmark and the Netherlands in last year's NatWest Trophy, proving there is still a long way to go. Further proof - the United Arab Emirates, winners of the ACC Trophy, losing all three of their matches in the recent UAE Ramadan Floodlit tournament.
• Problems involving the inherent nature of the East Asia-Pacific region, especially with the imminent 'transfer' of Hong Kong to the Asian region
• Murmurs regarding the ICC's player eligibility rules. It's a tough issue, but do we really want a situation like rugby union, where players swap countries each year? The ICC has veered on the right side
• The occasional split of Affiliate countries' administrations on racial lines
• An apparent underuse of television in non-Test countries. National administrations are screaming for a magazine style educational "This is Cricket" type of show to increase awareness of the game in their countries

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