The MCC world cricket committee has called for the World Cup to be restored to 12 teams, giving Ireland hope of a more favourable chance of qualification.
The committee labelled the planned reduction of the next two World Cups to 10 teams "a handbrake for the development of the sport".
They also want to see the Olympics pursued by the sport.
That puts the committee on a collision course with England and Wales Cricket Board president Giles Clarke, but with ECB chairman Colin Graves and chief executive officer Tom Harrison coming round to the idea, committee chairman Mike Brearley had a stern warning for Clarke.
"Colin and Tom acknowledged that the view of the ECB has been strongly anti-(Olympic involvement) but they say they are open to rethinking," Brearley said.
"The president of the ECB is an employee of the board and has to report to the board. He has to do what he's told."
Arguing that 12 teams in a World Cup and Olympic involvement would benefit men's and women's cricket, the committee's statement following a meeting at Lord's on Monday and Tuesday read: "The Olympics is a fundamental opportunity for cricket.
"With three ICC (International Cricket Council) events taking place in every four-year cycle, the opportunity exists for cricket to be included in sport's ultimate global showpiece without detracting from its successful tournaments in traditional cricketing markets.
"Competing in an Olympic Games would be a huge opportunity for players, a massive boost to developing cricket nations and give much greater exposure for the sport to a new audience."
Financial investment linked to the Games was cited as another potential boost to developing nations, while the committee also argued in favour of a more inclusive World Cup, perhaps including a preliminary round for lower-ranked teams.
"The committee believes that the organisation of a 10-team ICC Cricket World Cup for 2019 and 2023 is a retrograde step that damages the potential for growth in cricket's developing nations," the statement continued.
"The successful ICC Cricket World Cup in 2015 provided a platform for associate members to challenge the world's best. To limit future tournaments to 10 teams, albeit with qualification methods put in place, is a handbrake for the development of the sport.
"The committee has asked ICC to look again at its decision to limit the numbers to only 10 teams."
