The curtains finally came down on a farcically organised and ridiculously managed World Cup. For the past 45-plus days, there was a lot of talk of how ICC mishandled the tournament. The final match was a sublime example of how worse it can be. Keeping aside the cricket played by the two teams, the chaos created by the delayed start when the crowds were anxious if they would get to see any cricket or not, all the permutations and combinations were being discussed of how the match could proceed given the rainy conditions and when finally the match did get underway, the closing stages were even more farcical. If this is how the ICC wants to increase the popularity of the game, then they are seriously mistaken. There is a fundamental truth in science, keep it short and simple, that way people understand and embrace it better. Any person who is not from a cricket playing nation, could have not understood what the chaos was all about. A moment he watched a team celebrate, moments later he notices them come back to the ground and continue the game, there is no explanation to this situational comedy of errors. The rules are spoiling the fun of the game. I mean why cant we have a simple 50 over match, for heaven's sake, this is the World Cup, we should get to watch a complete game, if not now then whats the fun in the event. We never see a match cut short due to bad weather in any of the other sports (not to mention the much criticised Duckworth-Lewis rule and its pathetic implementations). We never heard of a Football match reduced to 60 minutes, a tennis match being reduced to 2 sets, or (even more imaginative) a 100 meter dash cut short, due to bad weather. All this happens only in Cricket, thanks to the money minded organisers of the game - the ICC, who is filled with people, most of whom have never played the game themselves and who only know how to cash in on the support of the fan following.
Lets talk about the good part of the World Cup - Cricket. Austrailia have proven their ability in all conditions and against all teams. Winning 29 games on the trot spread across 3 editions of the tournament is plainly phenomenal. This Austrailian team has demonstrated, what perfectionism, professionalism and sheer hardwork is all about. Ricky Ponting, who in my opinion is undoubtedly the best captain, has never got it wrong so far. We hear the talk of teams having those nervous moments in the big games, a world cup final for example, we see players doing it all wrong on the big day, succumbing to the pressure and then we see this current Austrailian team who delivers one superlative performance after another in the big matches. Stage-fright, is a word which doesnt seem to exist in the Austrailian Cricket dictionary. This World Cup final was probably the last outing for many players. Most of them got it right and signed out with their heads held high. Mc Grath, though couldnt boast of an amazing spell did manage to get a wicket. Jayasuriya, got a 50 at more than run-a-ball. Gilchrist, who could have probably played his last World Cup innings, scored a century in a typically aggressive manner that has made him one of the best wicketkeeper-batsmen of the game. And yes he took a great catch to grant his old team mate McGrath a wicket in the latters penultimate delivery. In the end it was a well and truly deserved Austrailia who were crowned the World Champions and if they continue their game, they could surely repeat the act 4 years from now. Sri Lanka were the deserving runners-up. They displayed good cricket over the past few weeks, albeit the final hiccup (which is not surprising, considering who their opponents were), they were a strong team throughout the tournament. Much more was expected from New Zealand and South Africa, but both failed to impress in the important semi-final games. New Zealand has made record appearances in the semi-final games so far. Its a pity they have never progressed any further. South Africa, seem to be sticking loyally to their tag of "chokers". The other teams were as un noticeable as a pebble on a rocky beach.
There was a lot of talk of crowds not turning up for the matches. A major reason cited was the early exit of India and Pakistan. For the next World Cup to be held in the sub-continent, I guess the ICC will now chalk up a plan such that they ensure India go through to the second round or even enter the semi-finals through the back door, only to bring in the crowds and the money from the sponsors! With such a great fan following and hero worshiping, the cricket lovers in India deserve an Indian team which is atleast half the strength of the current Austrailian team and not the bunch of pot-bellied non-performers who are gracing the national colors at the moment. Sachin Tendulkar has a huge popularity and is reverred as a god by many of his crazy fans in India. Agreed he was a genius in his prime days, but whats the use of those godly powers, when he could not win the World Cup atleast once in his 18 years of game, when mere mortals like Ricky Ponting have done it 3 times and each time with absolute authority.
Finally we bid farewell to the Carribean spirit which made an otherwise mis-managed World Cup, a lively affair. Even after a month, we dont know the truth behind the cruel murder of Bob Woolmer, the seriousness of the crime seems to have vanished from the public memory. This tournament had its moments, the vast number of player retirements, players being sacked, the minnows slaying the giant teams, the close finishes and tied matches, the six-ball-sixes of Herschelle Gibbs, the 4-in-4 wicket havoc of Malinga, the genius of Muralitharan, the sublime hitting of Matthew Hayden, the drinking fiascos of the Pommies, the rise of the Bangladeshi cricket and above all the continuing authority of Ricky Ponting and his band of professionals. When we reassemble in the sub-continent 4 years from now, I pray that atleast one team can stand up to challenge the Aussies.
