Sounds a bit tacky, doesn't it? The Cup That Counts. Somehow, it just doesn't sound quite right. And given that there are many like me who think there is too much cricket being played, I am not sure if it really counts!
The ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 is here. The sub-continent is the host. All the competing teams are here. A couple of practice matches have been played. The opening ceremony today at Dhaka was a big spectacle. We are all set...for the cricket extravaganza of the year!
Or maybe not. I thought the hype leading to the event itself has been a bit subdued. It might be the result of the ambush advertising ban enforced by ICC. Basically, ICC, with an Indian politician at its helm, knows the value of money and the fact that it can milk its exclusive rights over the tournament. Thus the ban on cricketers appearing in advertisements of competing brands of ICC's main sponsors. The cricketers, who know the value of money as well and the fact that they can milk the fan following for the game in the sub-continent, tried their best to hop, skip and jump the ban. It is, after all, all about money, honey!
Whatever be the case, I am going to enjoy the games, even if the one day game sometimes tests our patience. Thanks to 20-20 cricket. There has been a lot of talk about India being the favourites. Australia, with their recent success over the Poms and the Proteas are also strong sides. I think they are equally good compared to the Indian team. And then, there is the mercurial Pakistan team, which on its day, can make mincemeat of any team in the world. Like a true patriot, I am rooting for the Indian team. With a captain who is an expert at absorbing the pressure with his ice cool demeanour and a team that believes in itself, I think they can actually do it. But, who knows! Cricket, as they say, is a game of great uncertainties. Maybe one of the minnows, most likely to be Bangladesh with its home advantage too, might spring a series of surprises. They did so at the last World Cup in 2007. I doubt if many of the minnows will do well like in 2007, but at least one or two of them are likely to make a mark.
I am also looking forward to the event very keenly due to the presence of some of the biggest stars of the game in the same event. I am hoping that Sachin Tendulkar, who is most certainly playing his last World Cup, might put up a special show for us all. Ponting, Gayle, Brett Lee, Afridi, Malinga, Yusuf, Sehwag and many many other exciting stars. The other exciting part would be the discovery of some new stars which the tournament might throw up.
Lastly, one of the things that I wanted to do this time was go and watch a match in person at the stadium. A quick peek at the ticket prices and availability put paid to that wish. I am much better of watching all the matches that I want at home on the idiot box which provides the luxury of action replays, highlights, quick access to key statistics and views of expert commentators.
Enjoy the game. May the best team win. Play!
Take care!
P.S.: The tag line, though, still doesn't sound right.
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