Matt Machan has launched a scathing attack on cricket’s governing body on the eve of the World Twenty20.

The Sussex batsman has accused the ICC of putting the future of Scottish cricket in jeopardy by reducing the opportunities for associate nations to play against the big boys.

Scotland booked their place at the World Twenty20 having come through a tough qualifying tournament where they shared the trophy with the Netherlands after the final in Ireland was washed out.

But despite having already played seven games just to get to India they will now have to play a further three qualifying games against Afghanistan, Zimbabwe and Hong Kong to progress to the main competition along with the Test nations.

If they fail to get through it may mean Scotland have to wait another four years for a chance to play on the global stage due to the ICC’s decision to cut the number of teams at the 50-over World Cup in England next year and to hold next World Twenty20 in 2020 rather than 2018.

Machan said: “It’s a bit stupid in my opinion and I’m struggling to understand the reasons behind it. If you want to expand the game globally then surely you need to include more teams rather than excluding them.

“That’s what they are doing in football but for some reason the ICC are making it harder for teams like Scotland. It’s crazy as we saw in the last World Cup that the games involving the associate nations were the best ones to watch.

“I’m really looking forward to the World Twenty20 but obviously it is going to be tough for us to progress because of the format. We’ve pretty much got to win at least two and possibly all three of our games to get through to the main draw.

“It’s frustrating but we’ve got to make the most of it as the better the associate sides do the more the ICC will have to take notice. We are going in as the No.1 ranked associate nation so the next step for us is to go to a major event and win a game.

“Scotland has never achieved that before so it would be a big step forward and would also make a point to the ICC.”

Brighton-born Machan made his debut for Scotland in 2013 after qualifying through his mother and believes the standard of cricket among the associate nations has improved hugely over the last three years.

But he fears the ICC’s plans could undo all that good work.

He added: “The standard has definitely improved since I first played but I don’t know if that will continue as after the World Twenty20 we don’t have a competitive game until August, which can’t be good, and no full member games or major tournaments for three or four years.

“The ICC are also cutting our funding along with most of the other associate nations. They seem to be putting all their eggs into one basket with Ireland and Afghanistan which is a shame but hopefully we can show them they are making a mistake.

“It is a nightmare and the ICC need to address it. Funding is a major issue as cricket is not the biggest game in Scotland so we don’t get that much sponsorship. It is frustrating but if we can have a good tournament it should help our cause.”

The World Twenty20 will be Machan’s second global tournament with Scotland having impressed in the 50-over World Cup in Australia and New Zealand last year and the 25-year-old is relishing another chance to perform on the big stage.

“It is a fantastic opportunity to play in India in front of millions of people,” he said.

“I’ve only been to India once before on a batting camp but I’ve have spoken to a few guys who are familiar with the conditions we’ll be facing so I know what to expect.

“All our games are day-nighters so the atmosphere should be phenomenal and hopefully I can rise to the occasion.”