Associate nations like Nepal and USA need regular high‑level games, Ashwin argues

Ashwin highlighted that teams such as Nepal, the United States, Ireland, the Netherlands and Scotland are currently limited to qualification tournaments. He suggested they should be incorporated into more bilateral series, acting as the third team in home‑and‑away contests.

By doing so, these associate sides would face stronger opponents consistently, improving their rankings and on‑field skills. The former cricketer believes that regular exposure to top‑tier cricket is essential for nurturing talent and closing the performance gap.

He also pointed out that the ICC's new World Cup fixtures, while promising, must be complemented by a calendar that offers associate nations a steady flow of competitive matches throughout the year, not just during qualifiers.

Ashwin's message is clear: without a dedicated pathway that guarantees frequent high‑quality games, emerging cricketing nations will struggle to reach the standards required for future Olympic participation.