World Cup has too many minnows
March 22nd 2007 09:48
The Cricket world cup in the Caribbean has been pretty flat to date. Of course the tournament has been overshadowed by the tragic death of Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer.
On field, Pakistan has been the flop of the cup and might be joined by bitter foes India. Pakistan were disgraceful in their opening matches against the West Indies and minnows Ireland. Their opening loss against the hosts can perhaps be excusable but the following match cannot be justified. Yes Ireland has been head and shoulders above the other minnows but Pakistan should never have lost the match.
Pakistan’s exit from the cup has been to the detriment to cricket lovers. They are such a frustratingly erratic side, but can be brilliant- boasting greats Inzaman Ul-Haq, Mohammed Yousef and Shahid Afridi. They are capable of beating anybody but with so much internal conflicts following them, rarely ever succeed.
The tournament doesn’t need another one of the star studded teams to depart earlier than expected. India are in a precarious situation after their earlier loss to Bangladesh. They had a convincing win against Bermuda but need to beat Sri Lanka to qualify for the super eights stage. Having one minnow nation is bad enough, but for two to make the final eight will be disastrous for the tournament. The Indians face a tough task to beat Sri Lanka, who are in rampaging form. Sri Lanka are seen as the team most likely to challenge Australia and South Africa, and will do no favours for the besieged Indians.
The tournament has been a yawn to this stage despite the upsets. The tournament, which lasts six months, is way too long. Sixteen teams is too many. The ICC are keen to promote the game around the world but by doing so is making a mockery out of the most prestigious cricket event.
The World Cup needs to be reduced to twelve teams. Four teams should be dumped. Scotland, the Netherlands, Canada and Bermuda have been simply embarrassing and are severely tarnishing the credibility of the earlier stages of the tournament.
Twelve teams is the right amount as Zimbabwe and Bangladesh, despite their international status, can be termed as minnows. Kenya, semi-finalists four years ago in South Africa and surprise packets Ireland deserve their places.
Before the World Cup, the minnow nations should play a mini tournament, where the finalists are the teams who make the final twelve.
Most cricket lovers have been tuning out to the first three weeks of the cup, as it has been just one big bore. Only when the super eights begin will the audiences start paying attention.
The resolution is quite simple, however one imagines the ICC is more interested in prolonging their most financial and prestigious event.
On field, Pakistan has been the flop of the cup and might be joined by bitter foes India. Pakistan were disgraceful in their opening matches against the West Indies and minnows Ireland. Their opening loss against the hosts can perhaps be excusable but the following match cannot be justified. Yes Ireland has been head and shoulders above the other minnows but Pakistan should never have lost the match.
Pakistan’s exit from the cup has been to the detriment to cricket lovers. They are such a frustratingly erratic side, but can be brilliant- boasting greats Inzaman Ul-Haq, Mohammed Yousef and Shahid Afridi. They are capable of beating anybody but with so much internal conflicts following them, rarely ever succeed.
The tournament doesn’t need another one of the star studded teams to depart earlier than expected. India are in a precarious situation after their earlier loss to Bangladesh. They had a convincing win against Bermuda but need to beat Sri Lanka to qualify for the super eights stage. Having one minnow nation is bad enough, but for two to make the final eight will be disastrous for the tournament. The Indians face a tough task to beat Sri Lanka, who are in rampaging form. Sri Lanka are seen as the team most likely to challenge Australia and South Africa, and will do no favours for the besieged Indians.
The tournament has been a yawn to this stage despite the upsets. The tournament, which lasts six months, is way too long. Sixteen teams is too many. The ICC are keen to promote the game around the world but by doing so is making a mockery out of the most prestigious cricket event.
(Have been competitive)
The World Cup needs to be reduced to twelve teams. Four teams should be dumped. Scotland, the Netherlands, Canada and Bermuda have been simply embarrassing and are severely tarnishing the credibility of the earlier stages of the tournament.
Twelve teams is the right amount as Zimbabwe and Bangladesh, despite their international status, can be termed as minnows. Kenya, semi-finalists four years ago in South Africa and surprise packets Ireland deserve their places.
Before the World Cup, the minnow nations should play a mini tournament, where the finalists are the teams who make the final twelve.
Most cricket lovers have been tuning out to the first three weeks of the cup, as it has been just one big bore. Only when the super eights begin will the audiences start paying attention.
The resolution is quite simple, however one imagines the ICC is more interested in prolonging their most financial and prestigious event.
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