JOHANNESBURG, South Africa,  CMC – Twelve teams will clash over the next 19 days as they chase four spots up for grabs at the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup.

The tournament, which bowls off today, will see 54 matches being played with the top four teams getting the chance to do battle at cricket’s major showpiece being played in Asia .

David Morgan, the International Cricket Council president, yesterday underscored the importance of the tournament, stressing it was perhaps the most crucial one for ICC Associate and Affiliate members.

“For our top Associate and Affiliate members this is probably the most important 19 days in any four-year cycle and it will determine whether they qualify for the ICC Cricket World Cup and where they stand in the global scheme of things,” Morgan pointed out.

“This is the culmination of a long pathway giving each of our 94 Associate and Affiliate Members the chance to take on the very best in the world at the highest level.

“This is all part of the ICC’s commitment to grow the game and narrow the gap between the top Associate teams and the very best sides in the world.”

The tournament will also take on added importance as the top six finishers will attain One-Day International status for the next four years.

They will also seal a place in the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifiers and also will gain automatic qualification for the ICC Intercontinental Cup 2009-10, which starts in May.

Several teams will be vying for a return trip to the World Cup after turning out at the 2007 edition in the West Indies .

Scotland, Bermuda, Kenya, Ireland, Canada and The Netherlands will all be keen on exerting their authority having gained experience at the 2007 event.

The other teams involved are Oman, Namibia, Uganda, the United Arab Emirates, Denmark and Afghanistan .

A full slate of six matches will be played across Group A and B on the opening day today.