Ireland hail 'historic' Test cricket achievement: Afghanistan also granted full ICC status

The ICC met for its annual conference in London on Thursday and confirmed Ireland and Afghanistan as full members after a unanimous vote.

–– ADVERTISEMENT ––

Ireland have been playing as affiliate members since 1993 and have recorded famous victories over Pakistan, England and the West Indies in that time.

Now they will be able to play Test cricket against the world's best, with Afghanistan also making the step up having only achieved affiliate membership in 2013.

"Both will now be eligible to play Test cricket following a recommendation that their applications met newly approved member criteria," the ICC confirmed.