Letter of the Day

Globalisation - At What Cost?

The World Cup is just 5 months away and already the euphoria is on a high. But think for a minute or we getting to see the best World Cup ever? Is this going to be the best World Cup? I don't think so. The charm of the world cup that is played once every 4 years is lost, firstly by all the test playing teams not getting a chance to play each other, secondly by the inclusion of teams like Namibia, Canada, Holland, Bangladesh and Kenya. I don't have anything against these teams. These teams need exposure and we should all support them in the best possible way. But sorry, world cup is not the place to do it.

The ongoing champions trophy is a proof of what will happen in this summer's world cup. I can bet my fortune that Bangladesh or Holland wont even be a match to teams like Australia, South Africa, India, etc. Again this does not undermine any of the efforts taken by these teams to perform well in international cricket. But world cup is simply not the stage. Who do you think will be interested in a game between India and Namibia or South Africa and Canada, except the sponsors and the ruthless runners of the game, ICC These games involving these teams are going to be a farce to say the least. The ongoing champions trophy is a precursor of things to happen in the world cup.

The ICC and all the permanent members should be asking the question why was Bangladesh allowed to play Test matches. They are just simply not good enough. My thoughts and your thoughts do not matter in real world where the sponsors and the ICC are calling the shots.

The best way to give these teams a feel of international cricket would be to include these teams as the fourth team in the large number of triangular tournaments played by test playing nations. Don't you think that will augur well for all these teams? Include Bangladesh in the Ranji trophy, include Kenya and Namibia in the South African league, include Canada in the red stripe championship, and include Holland in the English league. Don't you think these teams will get benefited by playing in these championships? Don't ever think of answering these questions our answers does not matter to the people who run the show. Give me an answer for my question Globalisation at what cost?

Venkat Ganeshbabu