Scotland and the Netherlands are the two highest ranked associate members.

Their decision to issue such a pointed statement reflects frustrations outside of full members with aspects of ICC decision making.

BBC Sport understands proposals were tabled at the 2025 ICC annual conference to create a single-class of membership, rather than having associate and full members, but it did progress.

The statement added that the changes to the World Cup qualifying were a “setback” for associate members and “risk undermining the progress made in recent years to grow the global game”.

“At a time when cricket is seeking to expand its reach, attract new audiences and strengthen its position on the international sporting landscape, reducing meaningful opportunities for emerging nations sends entirely the wrong message,” it said.

The statement also called on the ICC to “re-engage with associate members” and to do so “openly” to enable the sport to develop outside of full members.

“Leaders in cricket have consistently spoken about their ambition for the sport to become truly global,” added the statement.

“Providing meaningful opportunities for emerging nations to qualify for, and compete at, major events is fundamental to achieving that ambition.

“Decisions that reduce or limit those opportunities slow the progress being made to expand the game’s reach and appeal and runs counter to those ambitions.”