India legend Sachin Tendulkar has added his voice to a swell of criticism aimed at plans to streamline the Cricket World Cup - championing the cause of associate nations.

Non-Test nations have impressed at the current tournament in Australia and New Zealand - Ireland picking up their almost customary thrilling victory chasing down West Indies' 304 with ease at Nelson, while Afghanistan also put in a spirited showing in defeat to Sri Lanka on Sunday.

The 2019 World Cup will be cut down from 14 teams to just 10, limiting the opportunities for associate members - who are unlikely to be afforded enough gametime against suitable opposition to climb into the top eight of the rankings and seal an automatic spot.

"To play against them every four years [is not enough] and I think we need to look into it and look to encourage them more by making them play international games against top sides," Tendulkar said during an ICC-endorsed Google Hangout.

"When you want the game to globalise, we need to encourage more and more teams to participate.

"Obviously not at the cost of dropping the standard of play but we need to look at how we can get these guys to raise their standard of playing and I think the standard of playing is only going to rise when they start playing against the top sides.

"For that sake, I feel even if the top sides send their A-teams, India A could tour Zimbabwe, Bangladesh or Ireland and Scotland. All these teams, they need encouragement.

"You see it has been a history from many World Cups; they have always come up with surprises."

Mahela Jayawardene's century was crucial in helping Sri Lanka overcome an impressive Afghanistan attack, and the former captain also spoke out against the ICC's plans.

"A 10-team World Cup is the wrong way to go," he said. "Sri Lanka wouldn't be where they are today without expansion."