Breaking/Brief news
March 30, 2007
Baffling field placement
Yesterday, as Daniel Vettori ran in to bowl the 5th ball of the 44th over against West Indies, he was on a hat-trick. Skipper Stephen Fleming had placed a silly-point for Collymore, the number 11. Strangely, there was no short-leg or backward short-leg.
If I were the skipper and the opposition was 176/9 with 6 more overs to go and no half-decent batsman at either end, I'd pressurize the batsman with a lot of fielders around the bat.
After Collymore kept out the hat-trick ball, Fleming moved the silly point out. I found that baffling. I've seen that happen so often. Is the ball after a potential hat-trick ball any less important? Why do captains do it? Yes, the bowler didn't get 3 in 3, but by moving the fielder out, you're probably reducing the chances of getting 3 in 4.
If I were the skipper (and I've never skippered anything higher than teams representing my college and workplace), I'd keep the fielders in even after the hat-trick has been averted!
Labels: captaincy, field placement, fleming, new zealand, stephen fleming, vettori, west indies
Thus spake Jagadish @ 10:07 am | Sledge/Read 0 sledge(s)
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March 29, 2007
I thought he was supposed to be intelligent
Kumar Sangakkara:
Having picked up two valuable points against India, we realistically need to win three out of our six matches to qualify for the semi-finals.Kumar, India are out. Your two 'valuable' points were Bangladesh, the pseudo-minnow. If everyone else (excluding Ireland) beats Bangladesh (which, although not certain, is more likely than the same happening to India), then those points will be effectively worthless. I want Sri Lanka to meet the West Indies in the final; don't tell me you're going to turn in to South Africa.
Labels: 2007 world cup, minnows, sangakkara, sri lanka, world cup
Thus spake Geoff @ 11:02 pm | Sledge/Read 0 sledge(s)
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One leg-spinner on another
Murali is the 'leading cricketer in the world', while Shane Warne is on the cover of the 2007 edition of the Wisden Cricketers' Almanack.
The five cricketers of 2006 are Mahela Jayawardene, Mark Ramprakash, Mohammed Yousuf, Monty Panesar and Paul Collingwood.
Michael Atherton can always boast that while Shane Warne didn't get Dilip Vengsarkar out in a test match, while he did. Athers, whose writing is always as enjoyable to read as his batting was, praises Warne's respect for the game. The only jarring part in his piece is when he talks about batsmen who've played Warne well.
No right-hander, in my view, played him better than Kevin Pietersen, who had such exquisite balance that he was able to change direction — with the drift — while still advancing down the pitch.Pietersen obviously did bat well in 2005 and 2006, but there's this other gent by the name VVS Laxman did so across four series, reducing Warne to a bit part most of the time. It was only in the 2004 series that Warne got Laxman out cheaply and often. Then again, its Athers' article. Maybe he didn't see Laxman bat against Warne.
Wisden 2006 had a section on cricket blogs, and this blog found a place on page 1570!
Labels: almanack, atherton, collingwood, jayawardene, mohammad yousuf, murali, panesar, ramprakash, warne, wisden
Thus spake Jagadish @ 7:58 pm | Sledge/Read 2 sledge(s)
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South Africa edges through
Wow, my fingers are quite a bit shorter today. Tony Greg described it as the best game of the World Cup. It was a thriller of a game, and an unbelievable end.
For the average SA supporter the history of SA being chokers, or struggling to win have been revived, and fears have arisen. But SA will put this behind them, in the same vein that they put the Aus game behind them, and they'll bank the 2 points. From here on it does not look too hard to get into the semi's.
On selections:
I thought that the move to play Peterson instead of Prince was inspired. Peterson didn't bowl excellently, but it gives SA a variety which Prince doesn't really offer. At the moment SA's batting looks capable and in form (barring really fast reverse-swinging bowling, and Murali offbreaks and doosras), and should be able to chase most targets with Smith firing at the front giving an excellent base. Pollock's bowling is a concern, and thought should be given to make him first change. But I would like to see him build some confidence against the "easier" games that are coming along next for SA. Or maybe Smith should just not hesitate to take him off after 2.
When I saw Malinga the first time, I couldn't believe the accuracy he bowled at. It was amazing, and I knew he was a treasure for Sri Lankian cricket. I frowned at the fact that they didn't play Fernando, as he is another wicket taker, and add him to Malinga, Vaas, Murali and you have 40/50 overs of the game coming from bowlers who can take a wicket any time. And you fill the other 10 with Jayasuriya and maybe another 1.
On a personal note I have a dream team. I play Smith, Kallis, Vaas, Malinga and Murali. These 5 were the top performers of the day (excepting Langeveldt), and I am very chuffed at the performance of my team.
Labels: 2007 world cup, hat-trick, malinga, south africa, sri lanka, world cup
Thus spake Reenen @ 12:29 pm | Sledge/Read 1 sledge(s)
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Langeveldt's last-over menace
Charl Langeveldt's performance against Sri Lanka was rather overshadowed by Lasith Malinga, although he did
Yesterday's 3/0 off the last over brought his wickets tally in his last over in ODIs in the West Indies to 9 from 8 matches for 56 runs. That includes being pasted for 15 by Paul Hoffman and 16 by Shane Watson in the two matches prior to this. Note to Graeme Smith: tell him you're bowling the rest of his allocation before he starts each over. That way, he'll bowl as if each over was his last.
He'll also be on for a hat-trick the next time he bowls.
Labels: hat-trick, langeveldt
Thus spake Geoff @ 11:46 am | Sledge/Read 0 sledge(s)
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Malinga joins Gibbs
In defiance of the ICC's stupid action on YouTube videos, here're videos of Herschelle Gibbs hitting six sixes in an over and Lasith Malinga taking four wickets in four balls.
Labels: gibbs, hat-trick, icc, malinga, sixes, south africa, sri lanka, video, youtube
Thus spake Jagadish @ 10:49 am | Sledge/Read 2 sledge(s)
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Double Hat Trick!
Four wickets in four balls. Just as Herschelle Gibbs accomplished a feat that had never been done before in international cricket by hitting 6 sixes in an over, so did Lasith Malinga by taking four wickets in four balls. "Slinga" Malinga (so called because of his slinging bowling action) almost induced one of the greatest chokes of all time from South Africa. After Malinga's damage had been done, South Africa had slumped from 206/5 to 207/9. Faces that were once confident of victory agonised as thoughts of South Africa's previous World Cup gaffes in 1999 and 2003 must have been somewhere in their minds. A mere four runs for victory that turned out to be the hardest four runs to get.
When Robin Peterson's bat sliced a full Malinga delivery down to third man for four, the South Africans celebrated as if they had won the World Cup. The Proteas had overhauled Sri Lanka's total of 209 that had seemed much too small. That is before Malinga wrecked South Africa's lower order. Malinga's feat is called a double hat trick, because there are 2 sets of three consecutive wickets within the 4 consecutive wickets he took. Malinga's double hat trick came over 2 overs: He bowled Pollock and had Andrew Hall caught at cover both off slower balls. In his next over Kallis drove loosely at a full delivery outside off stump, only succeeding in edging the express delivery to the keeper, to give Malinga his hat trick. His next delivery was a well directed yorker that sent Makhaya Ntini's stumps flying.
(Cross Posted from Rain, No Play)
Labels: 2007 world cup, hat-trick, malinga, world cup
Thus spake Sean @ 8:57 am | Sledge/Read 0 sledge(s)
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Bob Woolmer: Not murdered?
Either Mark Shileds has no where close to finding Woolmer's murderer (if there is such a thing) or he's has a tendency to be oft misquoted. The Cricinfo report here says quite clearly that the police has ruled out the Pakistani players as suspects and were now treating them as witnesses.
Turns out the next day Shields is being quoted by Guardian as saying this is not the case, in facts he describes PJ Mir's "claims" to that effect as being "inaccurate", repeating that "nobody could be ruled out".
Well Shields, if that is the case, why did you say only 24 hours earlier that "It's fair to say they are now being treated as witnesses". Does the 'they' in that statement not refer to the same Pakistani players?
Also, several news agencies have reported the results of the first autopsy were not accurate, but Guardian added that he might not have been murdered at all. In that same Guardian report linked to earlier, an unnamed PCB official is quoted as implying that the Jamaican police had acted 'hastily' by declaring Woolmer's death as murder:
Meanwhile, back home, our players have returned, half of them in Karachi, half in Lahore, and obviously, they weren't exactly welcomed back with open arms. But still, the way its been reported in the media has disappointed me (Cricinfo say the ones at Karachi were "heckled by a crowd of around 100 people" some of which chanted stuff like "go to hell").
In Lahore things were calmer, but only because the players were let out secretly through the cargo section. One waiting fan there, reportedly said, "We didn't want to hurt them, we just wanted to vent our frustration". Yeah right, venting out your frustrating by shouting out stuff like "go to hell"? How civil is that?
Sad to see that even the tragic events of last three weeks has brought back very little perspective into the psyche of the obsessive cricket fan here. Very, sad indeed.
Turns out the next day Shields is being quoted by Guardian as saying this is not the case, in facts he describes PJ Mir's "claims" to that effect as being "inaccurate", repeating that "nobody could be ruled out".
Well Shields, if that is the case, why did you say only 24 hours earlier that "It's fair to say they are now being treated as witnesses". Does the 'they' in that statement not refer to the same Pakistani players?
Also, several news agencies have reported the results of the first autopsy were not accurate, but Guardian added that he might not have been murdered at all. In that same Guardian report linked to earlier, an unnamed PCB official is quoted as implying that the Jamaican police had acted 'hastily' by declaring Woolmer's death as murder:
"We believe that the autopsy by the pathologist may have had error counts and [the police] are now considering having a second autopsy to confirm the cause of death," said the official. "The feedback we have got is there are some contradictions in the version of events after Woolmer was found unconscious. But we will get a clearer picture after our manager briefs the board on what took place there"This has now forced Shileds and co. to order a second autopsy, though he maintained, that the police was confident they first one was accurate and he in particular was 'sure' that Woolmer was murdered. He conceded, nevertheless, that it was an issue that might be brought up by the defense after they make arrests and trial is held.
Meanwhile, back home, our players have returned, half of them in Karachi, half in Lahore, and obviously, they weren't exactly welcomed back with open arms. But still, the way its been reported in the media has disappointed me (Cricinfo say the ones at Karachi were "heckled by a crowd of around 100 people" some of which chanted stuff like "go to hell").
In Lahore things were calmer, but only because the players were let out secretly through the cargo section. One waiting fan there, reportedly said, "We didn't want to hurt them, we just wanted to vent our frustration". Yeah right, venting out your frustrating by shouting out stuff like "go to hell"? How civil is that?
Sad to see that even the tragic events of last three weeks has brought back very little perspective into the psyche of the obsessive cricket fan here. Very, sad indeed.
Labels: 2007 world cup, bob woolmer, muder, pakistan, world cup
Thus spake Unknown @ 3:21 am | Sledge/Read 0 sledge(s)
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March 28, 2007
Shock and horror and a format for the 2011 World Cup
It was with total amazement, shock and horror that I read the last line of this report in the BBC about the impact of India's first round exit from the World Cup.
Sony's Kunal Dasgupta now says the format of the tournament is flawed.It's been pretty obvious for a while that television runs most things in cricket, including scheduling. It is perhaps time to congratulate the ICC for sticking to their schedule instead of kowtowing to the demands of sponsors, rights owners, etc.
"In a 48-day tournament, if teams like India and Pakistan are out for playing bad cricket in two matches, there is something really wrong. We were against this format and even told the International Cricket Council to reconsider it," he said.
There is nothing wrong with the fact that the first round has only 3 games per team. India and Pakistan are out because their opponents played better. Apparently the ICC had framed up this schedule after getting feedback from players and boards that the previous World Cup, which had two groups of six teams each, had the potential to have too many games involving minnow teams.
I'm of the opinion that weaker teams should play in the World Cup, but they should also get enough games against stronger opposition in the year leading up to the World Cup. At the same time, we ought to ensure that the World Cup isn't a tournament where around 50% of the teams have absolutely no chance of getting anywhere near the knock-out stage.
My solution, for the 2011 World Cup in the Indian sub-continent is to merge the schedule of the 2003 World Cup (Super Six stage), the 2006 ICC Champions Trophy (having a qualification round) and the current one (a round-robin in the second stage).
The top 8 from the 11 ODI playing nations don't have to go through a qualification round. The qualifiers from the ICC Trophy (only the finalists) play against the 3 ODI playing nations who didn't make it to the main draw. So that means 5 teams in the qualifier round. Play a round-robin (10 games) and the top two teams make it to the main draw.
The main draw would have a total of 10 teams, split into 2 groups of 5 teams each. They play a round-robin and the format becomes similar to the 2003 World Cup Super Six stage (six teams qualify - now 3 from each group, teams carrying over points against the other team which qualified, play against the other 4 teams which qualified etc.). Then the top 4 get to the semis and the winners of the semis play in the final. This'd mean a total of 32 games (20 in the first round, 9 in the second, 2 semi finals and 1 final). Even if we include the 10 qualifier round games, that's a total of 42 games. Compare this to the current tournament - 51 games in all, 24 of them in the first round and an equal number in the second round.
In terms of number of days the tournament would run, that'd obviously reduce too. The 2007 World Cup goes on for around 45 days. This could be significantly reduced to around a month (two first round games per day - 10 days of playing time, 9 days for the second round, 3 for the knock out games). Add in reserve days for all games and two rest days per team and we'd be looking at around 30-odd days. I don't have those details worked out though.
Labels: 2007 world cup, 2011 world cup, icc, scheduling, television, tv rights, world cup
Thus spake Jagadish @ 1:21 pm | Sledge/Read 5 sledge(s)
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March 27, 2007
ICC bans YouTube Videos
© YouTube
The ICC has ordered popular video hosting site YouTube to remove clips of World Cup highlights. While citing the need to protect commercial broadcast rights, the ICC has decided to put money over the enjoyment of fans. The game of love and unity is being sacrificed on the altars of money and television broadcast rights.
YouTube clips have been used to spread the gospel of cricket to areas of the globe where fans would otherwise be unable to watch cricket. Surely, people watching a 4 minute grainy clip is not denying the ICC or its partners of any revenue. With a game that is desperate for growth (or at least should be) given the declining interest in cricket in some parts of the world, the ICC has chosen to protect its broadcast rights rather than embrace the free publicity that YouTube is bringing to the game.
It is easy to bash the ICC over this obviously myopic decision, so let's offer some useful suggestions. The issue of broadcast rights being violated on YouTube is not unique to cricket. In North America, the National Hockey League (NHL) and National Basketball Association (NBA) have embraced YouTube. The NHL and NBA have signed deals with Google (YouTube's parent company), allowing users to upload video clips of games while revenue from advertisements are shared between the Google and the NBA/NHL. Surely the ICC could embrace a similar agreement, rather than denying fans the enjoyment of watching a 4 minute clip?
Labels: 2007 world cup, icc, world cup
Thus spake Sean @ 4:41 am | Sledge/Read 0 sledge(s)
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March 26, 2007
Match-fixing in cricket: Separating the facts from the myths
Now I have to make an admission first, given there is still no concrete evidence what so ever of match fixing having anything to do with the murder of Bob Woolmer, I find the constant speculation in this regard increasingly annoying.
Labels: bob woolmer, death, match fixing, moin khan, rashid latif, sarfaraz nawaz, shehreyar khan, vaughan
Thus spake Unknown @ 5:21 pm | Sledge/Read 6 sledge(s)
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Good timing Mark, as usual. Pity about the content though
A couple of days after the Indian team exited the World Cup, Mark Waugh referred to Sunil Gavaskar's remarks on Aussie behaviour and David Hookes in his weekly column for the Sun-Herald.
Most of what he said was pretty identical to Ricky Ponting's outburst against Gavaskar. The problem was that while dismissing the tendency to keep referring to Australian cricketers' behaviour as stereotyping, he went on to do the same for sub-continental cricketers. First he said
One of the hardest things in cricket is shedding a title. A batsman described as "gritty" finds it a hell of a task to be acknowledged for other traits. The Aussies face the same struggle because sledging is what the media and critics home in on.Then he went on to over-generalize on sub-continental teams using runners, substitutes, tampering with balls, playing for individual records (shades of Matthew Hayden circa 2004 here), etc.
The Australian teams I played for, and those I've watched since retiring, play hard but fair. They play within the rules while other teams, especially those from the subcontinent, don't mind pushing the rules.It's sad that Waugh failed to realize even after proof-reading (or maybe he just pockets the money without caring for what his ghost-writer spits out) that he was contradicting himself. Maybe he was extrapolating to show us what stereotyping actually meant.
I cite such things as their preparedness to call for runners when maybe the batsman doesn't warrant one, or by fielding specialist fieldsmen as substitutes, as not being in the spirit of the game. And then there's examples of ball tampering.
The difference between many teams is that Australia, South Africa and the Kiwis want to win as a team, so they play hard, whereas players from the subcontinent appear happy to play for individual performances, though with Tom Moody as their coach the Sri Lankans are developing some Aussie-style confidence.
So while he got his timing spot on, the content left a lot to be desired.
The larger issue though remains about what the BCCI and India's players need to do to make sure that they don't continue to be laughed at about their on-field performances.
Labels: australia, gavaskar, india, mark waugh, waugh
Thus spake Jagadish @ 1:16 pm | Sledge/Read 0 sledge(s)
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SA vs Aus game
The game from an SA perspective... I have to say that Australia outplayed us.
In SA I've had discussions with several people. And to me the best explanation is:
- Australia batted about 30 runs better than SA.
- Australia bowled/fielded about 53 runs better.
SA dropped catches (1 easy, couple hard ones). SA missed the stumps. Australia caught well, and when everything looked lost, they hit the stumps from a mile away (the turning point).
But the positives...
- SA had a great opening partnership.
- Smith showed some real captaining with his field placings at the end. It was 60% successful, but it shows he is thinking on the pitch.
Labels: 2007 world cup, australia, south africa, world cup
Thus spake Reenen @ 11:45 am | Sledge/Read 0 sledge(s)
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March 25, 2007
Incompetence in full view
There were two main actors in yesterday's Australia v South Africa game.
The first was umpire Mark Benson. Shane Watson bowled a very full length ball outside off and Gilchrist didn't collect it cleanly. I'm not sure if Graeme Smith had edged it. The ball went past Gilchrist's legs and hit the cap (Gilchrist was standing up, wearing a helmet and had kept his cap near where he'd normally stand to a fast-medium bowler). Umpire Benson promptly signalled 'dead ball'. I was shocked. What sort of an umpire was he? Didn't he know the rules? Then it seemed like Graeme Smith questioned his decision (will he be pulled up?) and Benson then checked with Steve Bucknor at square-leg who told him it was five runs and also showed him how to signal five runs added to the batting team (tapping his left shoulder with his right hand). If he'd tapped his right shoulder with his left hand, as Darrell Hair did last August, Australia would have been incensed! I find it astounding that an international umpire, standing in a World Cup, didn't know the penalty runs rule for the ball hitting equipment on the field and the way the penalty had to be signalled.
The second display of incompetence was by Jacques Kallis. Just as he did against Australia in 2006 and against India in 2005, his inability to bat according to the situation (nearly 8 runs an over needed) convinces me that he's probably the most selfish batsman in world cricket at present. Either that, or he has no knowledge about the way the game is progressing. He scored 48 from 63 balls, with five boundaries. When he came in to bat, South Africa's run rate was 7.6. When he got out, it was 6.5 and he was primarily responsible. A lot of questions will have to be asked.
Labels: 2007 world cup, australia, benson, south africa, umpires, world cup
Thus spake Jagadish @ 10:09 am | Sledge/Read 3 sledge(s)
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Relief as Aussies finally defend a total
It was the final Group A match and a valuable "carry over" point was up for grabs today at St Kitts. Australia took on the newly crowned Number 1 ranked team - South Africa - with a few demons to exorcise.
Firstly, the last time these two sides met in an ODI, was that memorable game at the Waunderers where SA clinched their home series (3-2), by chasing down 434 and sewing seeds of doubt in the Australian bowling psyche, that would germinate fully 12 months later in NZ.
Secondly, Australia was now on a string of 6 consecutive losses to mainstream cricketing sides - the streak only broken by easy wins over Scotland and Holland.
Some of the Aussies must've been a little uneasy, batting first on such an impossibly small to defend ground backed by a pitch and infield resembling the Nullarbor Plain.
Even as Matty Hayden dispatched delivery after deliver into the crowd - as he set about doing a "Mick Lewis" to Shaun Pollock, you still had to wonder. It felt like Australia could make 500 - nothing mattered until we successfully defended it, this tiem against the best one day side in the world.
At 1 for 200 the demons were out - they were dancing and us supporters were all very worried indeed. The Saffers were cocky.
Watson changed momentum with a very good (and it has to be said, very lucky) return to run out De Villiers from the boundary. Then when Smith cramped up and was forced off the field - the Saffers had "given the suckers" a break and they snaffled it up! Bracken proved impossible to get away and with Gilly up to the stumps, it kept SA's top order from taking too many risks - risks they had to take. Then it was "Hoggy" - kept on ice through most of the Aussie summer, who once again exposed South Africa's adversity to decent spin by taking a couple of crucial wickets and pushing the target beyond the likley. McGrath too chipped in with a well directed bouncer to pick up Prince.
South Africa's hope faded and was delightful to hear Darryl Cullinen's back handed compliments become increasingly less "veiled" as South Africa's hopes slipped. Geez that guy hates Aussies - he has clearly not fully recovered ;-)
Anyway, let's not get any more excited about a Group round victory than this - suffice to say, it was relieving to finally defend a large total - being on a small ground with a great batting wicket makes it all the better.
England also accounted for Kenya today making sure they're through to the Super 8s. so 6 of the mainstream countries through to that stage.
(Cross posted on STUmpcam.)
Labels: 2007 world cup, world cup
Thus spake Stuart Helwig @ 5:40 am | Sledge/Read 0 sledge(s)
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March 24, 2007
Three possible reasons for India's defeat
I can think of three possible reasons for India's early exit from the World Cup, after being thrashed by Sri Lanka.
- Showing respect to Bangladesh cricket by ensuring they had enough time to practice before the test and one-day series there in May.
- Not burden the Indian government with the expenses of continuing to provide enhanced security to the team in particular.
- The BCCI had committed itself to a ODI series against the US, in the US, in the event of an early exit from the World Cup.
Labels: 2007 world cup, india, sri lanka, world cup
Thus spake Jagadish @ 2:34 pm | Sledge/Read 0 sledge(s)
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March 23, 2007
Bob Woolmer was murdered
After much speculation through out the week, the police have now confirmed that our former coach Bob Woolmer was strangled to death and hence murdered. The full press release form the corps can be read here, but one doesn't really need to read any special statements to know just how devastating this bit of news is.
You could take your pick from the conspiracy theories galore about the killer (or killers') possible motivation for killing Bob. The most popular one is that it may have been a maniac 'fan' who vented out his anger for the loss against Ireland, but people (including the media) have also been saying an involvement of bookies cannot be ruled out, given his forthcoming book was expected to reveal a lot of information on match fixing.
Others have done their calculations and suggested that President Musharraf him self may be involved (to divert attention from a growing political and judicial turmoil at home in Pakistan they allege), further more suggestion point fingers at no less then the Taliban or Jaamat-e-Islami it self.
Some of my friends were of the opinion it could well be just some ordinary drunk, mob or burglar who tried to rob Woolmer, but when he probably found nothing in his possession worth stealing, he got outraged and killed him.
But that's unlikely, given newspaper reports have confirmed the police did not find any evidence of the door lock at Bob's hotel was tampered with, giving rise to the conclusion that he probably knew the killer, and so let him in without any confrontation.
Another theory, hence, could also be that it may be some one who had nothing to do with cricket at all, some one who perhaps had a personal grievance against him. I don't know if I subscribe to any of these theories really, I'm just shocked and struggling to come to terms with how some one may be driven to take some one else's life in such a sickening, horrible manner. It just shocks me, more then anything.
Our players were questioned as a standard part of the investigation yesterday, and their fingers prints were taken as well, and there were reports that some players weren't happy about this, because it made them feel like they were being treated as suspects. I can understand where the players are coming from, a lot of them have come out spoken and about how Bob was like a father to them, and most of them will have been personally affected by his death.
In such circumstances it may be uncomfortable for them to be part of the investigation into Bob's murder, but this is standard procedure, and more then that, any information from any one which might lead to finding the killer must be explored. Whoever it was, whatever his, her or their motive was, I just hope he is brought to task.
You could take your pick from the conspiracy theories galore about the killer (or killers') possible motivation for killing Bob. The most popular one is that it may have been a maniac 'fan' who vented out his anger for the loss against Ireland, but people (including the media) have also been saying an involvement of bookies cannot be ruled out, given his forthcoming book was expected to reveal a lot of information on match fixing.
Others have done their calculations and suggested that President Musharraf him self may be involved (to divert attention from a growing political and judicial turmoil at home in Pakistan they allege), further more suggestion point fingers at no less then the Taliban or Jaamat-e-Islami it self.
Some of my friends were of the opinion it could well be just some ordinary drunk, mob or burglar who tried to rob Woolmer, but when he probably found nothing in his possession worth stealing, he got outraged and killed him.
But that's unlikely, given newspaper reports have confirmed the police did not find any evidence of the door lock at Bob's hotel was tampered with, giving rise to the conclusion that he probably knew the killer, and so let him in without any confrontation.
Another theory, hence, could also be that it may be some one who had nothing to do with cricket at all, some one who perhaps had a personal grievance against him. I don't know if I subscribe to any of these theories really, I'm just shocked and struggling to come to terms with how some one may be driven to take some one else's life in such a sickening, horrible manner. It just shocks me, more then anything.
Our players were questioned as a standard part of the investigation yesterday, and their fingers prints were taken as well, and there were reports that some players weren't happy about this, because it made them feel like they were being treated as suspects. I can understand where the players are coming from, a lot of them have come out spoken and about how Bob was like a father to them, and most of them will have been personally affected by his death.
In such circumstances it may be uncomfortable for them to be part of the investigation into Bob's murder, but this is standard procedure, and more then that, any information from any one which might lead to finding the killer must be explored. Whoever it was, whatever his, her or their motive was, I just hope he is brought to task.
Labels: bob woolmer, death, murder
Thus spake Unknown @ 2:25 pm | Sledge/Read 1 sledge(s)
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This day, four years ago
Fans and followers of Indian cricket need to be alerted that today's must-win game against Sri Lanka is on the fourth anniversary of the 2003 World Cup final against Australia.
Labels: 2007 world cup, final, india, sri lanka, world cup, world cup final
Thus spake Jagadish @ 1:46 pm | Sledge/Read 0 sledge(s)
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Last Hope For This World Cup?
As I was preparing this post, I thought of pointing out that these two games on Friday - West Indies versus Ireland in Jamaica and India versus Sri Lanka in Trinidad, were key to the success of the World Cup. As news broke of Bob Woolmer's death being a murder, it now seems regardless of what happens on the cricket field, this World Cup will be forever remembered for Woolmer's murder. If there is any hope left of this World Cup being remembered positively, that now hangs on the outcome of these two matches.
If the West Indies lose their game against Ireland, they will enter the Super Eights without a single point. Worse yet, the teams from the other groups will have the advantage of having Ireland to play, while the Windies will have no such luxury. The West Indies will find it difficult to make the semi finals and the interest of the local fans will wane significantly. A good showing by the home team is important in any World Cup, but more so for this edition, given the vast numbers of empty seat that are on show accross the Caribbean. The only group matches that have drawn anywhere near a capacity crowd have been the Windies games.
If the Indians lose their game, they will be out of the tournament (assuming that Bangladesh will beat Bermuda), and the interest level of the approximately 1 billion Indian fans would have dissipated. The tournament would then be a major disappointment for tournament sponsors who would undoubtedly lose millions of dollars from advertisement that was aimed at large Indian television audiences. This potential financial calamity for the sponsors would in all likelihood make any future World Cups in the West Indies a remote possibility.
Give a cheer Friday for the West Indies and for India. After Woolmer's murder, what's left of this World Cup may just be riding on the fortunes of these two teams.
(Cross posted from Rain, No Play)
Labels: 2007 world cup, bob woolmer, india, west indies, world cup
Thus spake Sean @ 10:47 am | Sledge/Read 1 sledge(s)
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Woolmer Strangled
Today, Jamaican local press pre-empted official police reports by announcing to the world that Bob Woolmer had been strangled. The shocking headlines that had followed days of wild speculation were confirmed late today by local police.
According to Mark Shields, Jamaica's deputy commissioner of police, the police have no suspects at this time. Prior to the official statement by the Jamaican police, there has been speculation that Woolmer was killed by an angry fan or by Pakistani bookies who wanted to keep Woolmer from making revelations about match fixing in Pakistan in an upcoming book. Regardless of whoever killed Bob Woolmer, this murder revelation has cast a horrible shadow over the remainder of this World Cup. The game of love and unity suddenly doesn't feel so important anymore.
Despite opinions that the World Cup should not continue in the wake of Woolmer's murder, ICC Chief Executive Officer, Malcolm Speed today confirmed at the press conference that the World Cup would go on. Chris Dehring, the CEO of World Cup 2007 also expressed confidence in the security arrangements in place for the rest of the World Cup. That claim must ring a little hollow.
That Woolmer was murdered for cricket related reasons is the obvious motive right now. There are no reports of items missing from his hotel room. There are no signs of forced entry. Woolmer either let his murderer into his 12th floor room at the Jamaica Pegasus or he left the door ajar. It would be an incredible coincidence if Woolmer happened to have been murdered immediately after one of Pakistan's most dismal days on the cricket pitch for an unrelated reason. The fact that there were no signs of forced entry will undoubtedly fuel speculation that the murder may have been committed by a person or persons familiar to Woolmer. The Jamaican police are seemingly convinced that members of the Pakistani entourage have information that can aid their investigation. Here is an extract from Jamaican Police Commissioner Lucius Thomas' statement:
"It is our belief that those associated with or having access to Mr Woolmer may have vital information that would assist this inquiry. We appeal to these individuals to come forward now to assist us with our investigation."
There has long been a seedy under belly to international cricket. Rumours of match fixing abound in the subcontinent. In fact three former captains, Mohammad Azharuddin of India, Hansie Cronje of South Africa and Salim Malik of Pakistan have all received life bans for match-fixing. In the subcontinent, effigies are burnt, houses and people attacked whenever the subcontinent teams do badly as evidenced when Pakistan and India were upset at this World Cup. The game of cricket has very much lost its soul , and Woolmer's murder is now the latest and most stunning incarnation of this fact.
(Cross posted from Rain, No Play)
Labels: 2007 world cup, bob woolmer, match fixing, world cup
Thus spake Sean @ 5:44 am | Sledge/Read 1 sledge(s)
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March 22, 2007
Bob Woolmer's Death : The Investigation & Speculations Continue
Its being reported now that the Pakistani players are now being questioned too in association with the investigation into Bob's death. Cricinfo's The Surfer has a media round up of all the speculation that has arisen since the inconclusive findings of the autopsy yesterday, but you'd be well advised to hear this audio link from the BBC. Its a mini interview of Bob's wife, Gill, in which she refutes speculation that her husband may have taken his own life following Pakistan's exit from the World Cup, in addition to slamming some of the other media speculation surrounding the reason's of Woolmer's death.
I hope the media show some respect for the family's sentiments and not make a complete drama out of this, certain people have been linking all sorts of stuff to his death. GEO news yesterday I saw did an extended report full of rubbish about how his forthcoming book in which there were revelations about match fixing could have been a cause for him to be murdered. Other hyperbole creators have also been spreading rumors about how Islamic groups, or tableeghi jamaats as they're called, may have part. All hogwash of the highest order. These people should realise how some of this speculation will make his grieving family feel. Just leave this matter alone I say, and let the investigation take its course.
I hope the media show some respect for the family's sentiments and not make a complete drama out of this, certain people have been linking all sorts of stuff to his death. GEO news yesterday I saw did an extended report full of rubbish about how his forthcoming book in which there were revelations about match fixing could have been a cause for him to be murdered. Other hyperbole creators have also been spreading rumors about how Islamic groups, or tableeghi jamaats as they're called, may have part. All hogwash of the highest order. These people should realise how some of this speculation will make his grieving family feel. Just leave this matter alone I say, and let the investigation take its course.
Cross posted on Cricket Bloggers of Pakistan and Sundries
Labels: bob woolmer, death
Thus spake Unknown @ 4:21 pm | Sledge/Read 0 sledge(s)
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Goodbye Woolmer, Goodbye Inzi, Hello Brand New Hope
Sometimes a picture says a thousand words, yesterday's match between Pakistan and Zimbabwe (which I sadly watched very little of because of a social commitment) is one such occasion. No detailed analysis for my readers this time, just these pictures.
(© AFP)
The match started with a minute of silence in Bob's memory, when really any number of minutes of silence wouldn't have done justice...
© AFP
Imran Nazir put up a bit of show, the rest came and went, but it always all really going to be about one man - Inzi. In his last innings at the international stage, here he is, playing that masterful cut shut again.
(© AFP)
And there's the famous pull shot, how many of those did he play in his glorious career? Look at the poor fielder in the background, doesn't he look petrified by Inzi's mere presence, even though the ball is going no where near him? Imran doesn't call him the world's best batsman against pace bowlers for nothing.
© AFP
But then he played one too many, and held out add mid on, looking on as a fielder gets him out for one final time in Pakistan's one-day colours, and who knows, may be even in test colours...
(© AFP)
Then there's the usual slow walk back to the pavilion. Inzi's never been famous for going back quickly, but yesterday, with all the Zimbabwean players coming to shake hands and the necessary acknowledge of the meager crowd that had come into watch, meant the walk this time was that much more longer.
(© Getty Images)
And then finally, as he's taking his final steps across the field, the emotional, sensitive Inzi can't help come out from the calm, unflappable exterior we have seen all these years. The big man's crying....
(© AFP)
And holding back those tears, with all that has happened off late, isn't proving to be easy. Its only dawns on at the very last moment, reality, doesn't it? We take so many things for granted, and then suddenly you realise, oh no, its all going...
(© AFP)
And then as Pakistan, for once last time under Inzi's leadership took the field to take a consolation victory against Zimbabwe, for their retiring captain and deceased coach, the rain came pouring down. Perhaps it was meant to be reminiscent
(© Getty Images)
Perhaps that was what made Inzi smile at the end, that things really couldn't get any worse from here on it, they could only get better. Good bye Inzi, goodbye Woolmer, hello brand new hope.
Cross posted on Sundries
Cross posted on Sundries
Labels: 2007 world cup, bob woolmer, death, imran nazir, inzamam, pakistan, world cup, zimbabwe
Thus spake Unknown @ 4:14 pm | Sledge/Read 0 sledge(s)
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South Africa beats Scotland
SA beats Scotland in a match that was another convincing victory.
Probably not more so than the one against the Netherlands. But maybe not... they were after all batting at 8.05 runs per over. That is a lot.
In fact, someone at lunch the other day said... you don't need bowlers if your batsmen are good enough. And in ODI's that is true. Again SA didn't take 10 wickets. Again there wasn't a spinner that could baffle the opponents. Again the all pace attack was predictable. But if you can bat at 8.05 runs per over for 23 overs consecutively then I guess your bowlers are doing a good job if they are not going at more than 6.00 an over.
Australia will be SA's real first game, and it will be a measure on how exactly they stand. Between those two teams, they are probably favourites and second favourites. With Sri Lanka and New Zealand probably being the 3rd and 4th places.
I am biased, but if I try to be unbiased, I still think SA is the top team there. And people who disagree are biased towards whatever team they think are the top team.
Labels: 2007 world cup, batting, bias, scotland, south africa, world cup
Thus spake Reenen @ 12:26 pm | Sledge/Read 0 sledge(s)
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Time to review the Net Run Rate rule
The Net Run Rate calculation is used during multi-team tournaments as a 'tie breaker' when two or more teams are level on points and in their head-to-head results. Net Run Rate for a team is the run rate at which the team has scored runs minus the run rate which the team has conceded in all the games they've played. So if team A played two games, scoring 300 in 50 overs and 120 all out and conceded 280 in 50 overs and 121 in 30 overs, their net run rate would be -0.81 (Their run rate is 4.2 [420 in 100 ov] and they conceded 5.01 [401 in 80 ov]).
The problem with this method is that teams which are in trouble and need to improve their net run rate will obviously try to do so against weaker opponents, like India did against Bermuda a couple of days ago. My suggestion is that the net run rate calculation should first involve only the teams that are tied on points & head to head results. If that doesn't work (for e.g. if there were two teams tied thus and the game between them, the obvious way to find the NRR in games involving them, was tied/washed out), only then the net run rate calculation should be extended to all matches they played in. Doing so would increase the importance of the matches between these teams and reduce the games against the weaker teams.
So, if Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka are tied on points and in their head-to-head games (i.e. if India defeat Sri Lanka), the first tie breaker should be the run rates in the Bangladesh-India, Bangladesh-Sri Lanka and India-Sri Lanka games. The calculations would then be a little different, obviously. The NRR, before the India-Sri Lanka game, would be Bangladesh -1.87, India -0.14 and Sri Lanka +3.93, as opposed to the how it looks now (Bangladesh -2.00, India +2.57 and Sri Lanka +4.59). Using such a model, the only possibilities for Bangladesh to go through are Sri Lanka winning against India with India folding up for something like 125 and Sri Lanka getting the runs in 14 overs or so or India making 200 and Sri Lanka making 201 in 18 overs or so.
In fact, I wanted to put up this post yesterday, complete in the knowledge that this sort of net run rate calculation would mean that India would have been at a disadvantage. Bangladesh have done themselves no favours by losing so heavily to Sri Lanka. But Sri Lanka are looking awesome and it's going to take more than a special last-ditch effort for India to win. Sri Lanka would obviously like Bangladesh to qualify along with them so that they take two points into the Super Eight stage. So we're definitely not going to see any lack of effort on their side, since a loss decreases their chances of qualifying.
Labels: 2007 world cup, bangladesh, india, sri lanka, world cup
Thus spake Jagadish @ 10:17 am | Sledge/Read 4 sledge(s)
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Inzamam ends his one-day innings
This day, fifteen years ago, Inzamam made his first real impact in international cricket, with that brilliant 60*(37) v New Zealand in the 1992 World Cup semi-final.
Perhaps it was fitting that he ended his one-day innings today, facing almost the same number of balls, but only scoring 37 as Pakistan piled up 349 against Zimbabwe. He seemed determined to play as 'violent' an innings as he had magically done all those years ago. I remember watching that Auckland game live (?) and I was torn between admiring his batting & Moin's pluck and feeling sorry for my then favourite cricketer Martin Crowe who'd batted brilliantly. I'm sure New Zealand (and John Wright who led in Crowe's absence when New Zealand bowled) were quite confident of winning. The highest score against them in the competition was 230 by India. But Pakistan was the only side which they had lost to. As it turned out, a few overs of brilliance turned the game.
Inzamam retired from one-day cricket after Pakistan's shock defeat last week against Ireland.
While we will of course miss the comedy he provided (running between the wickets, his bear-like appearance, being dismissed 'obstructing the field', etc.), we will still get to see him in test cricket. Inzy's a wonderful test batsman - one of the better subcontinental batsmen when it comes to play pace and one of the best players of spin around.
Thanks for the memories, Inzy. Do let us know when you quit competitive cricket altogether. You're a welcome addition to the book cricket XI.
Labels: 2007 world cup, book cricket, inzamam, pakistan, retire, world cup
Thus spake Jagadish @ 12:00 am | Sledge/Read 1 sledge(s)
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March 21, 2007
Woolmer's death 'suspicious'
The speculation yesterday that Bob Woolmer might have died due to drug and alcohol abuse may still proved to be incorrect, but police officials have nevertheless termed the results of Woolmer's autopsy inconclusive, and hence his sudden death 'suspicious'.
Further tests to determine the cause of death have now been requested, and everyone awaits their results. The Jamaica deputy police commissioner Mark Shields said they treated any sudden death as suspicious and that the pathologists just wanted to be absolutely sure, but with rumors of "marks" being found around the neck of the dead body also around, its not hard to see why they went in for more tests.
That Woolmer might have been murdered is another devastating bit of news for the Pakistan players, whose state of mind ahead of our final game against Zimbabwe would have been bad as it following the news of Woolmer's death and Inzi's one-day retirement.
I'm not surprised Cricinfo reported that the players were "reluctant" to play, but reportedly Naseem Ashraf (who has already resigned) asked them to play on. Mushtaq Ahmed, the assistant coach, led the charge in our practice session ahead of the match, and later spoke to press about the mood in the Pakistani camp and how much the players have been affected; Dileep Premachandran has the quotes in a poignant preview the match for Cricinfo here.
PJ Mir, the media manager, has also confirmed the players will be taking part in a small remembrance ceremony after the game, but as Dileep says in the preview also, the best tribute we can hope to give Woolmer, in the circumstances, is by winning.
Cross-posted on Cricket Bloggers of Pakistan and Sundries
Further tests to determine the cause of death have now been requested, and everyone awaits their results. The Jamaica deputy police commissioner Mark Shields said they treated any sudden death as suspicious and that the pathologists just wanted to be absolutely sure, but with rumors of "marks" being found around the neck of the dead body also around, its not hard to see why they went in for more tests.
That Woolmer might have been murdered is another devastating bit of news for the Pakistan players, whose state of mind ahead of our final game against Zimbabwe would have been bad as it following the news of Woolmer's death and Inzi's one-day retirement.
I'm not surprised Cricinfo reported that the players were "reluctant" to play, but reportedly Naseem Ashraf (who has already resigned) asked them to play on. Mushtaq Ahmed, the assistant coach, led the charge in our practice session ahead of the match, and later spoke to press about the mood in the Pakistani camp and how much the players have been affected; Dileep Premachandran has the quotes in a poignant preview the match for Cricinfo here.
PJ Mir, the media manager, has also confirmed the players will be taking part in a small remembrance ceremony after the game, but as Dileep says in the preview also, the best tribute we can hope to give Woolmer, in the circumstances, is by winning.
Cross-posted on Cricket Bloggers of Pakistan and Sundries
Labels: 2007 world cup, bob woolmer, death, pakistan, world cup, zimbabwe
Thus spake Unknown @ 12:57 pm | Sledge/Read 0 sledge(s)
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War minus the shooting, but plus the brickbats
There've obviously been enough references to George Orwell in various comments/articles about the disproportionate response to India and Pakistan suffering shock defeats at the World Cup. So I feel compelled to offer a different take, in the title of this post, on what he wrote about sport in 'The Sporting Spirit'.
Serious sport has nothing to do with fair play. It is bound up with hatred, jealousy, boastfulness, disregard of all rules and sadistic pleasure in witnessing violence: in other words it is war minus the shooting.On my personal blog a couple of years ago, I wrote that there was far too much emphasis on sporting achievement. I still stand by that statement, despite being a fan of the game and running a blog devoted to cricket.
No-one asked those who vandalized property/burnt effigies etc. to follow the Indian team's cricketing fortunes. They did so of their own free will. That does not certainly give them the right to demolish property, public or private. The Indian team does not play well just because there're a billion-odd people hoping for a win. Those who go berserk at the team's wins or losses do so primarily because they wrongly believe it is their right to do so since they've invested so much energy/money etc. in supporting the team. In what way do they claim a right? A lot of them do so as a publicity seeking exercise. They may not even go to the stadiums, when there are opportunities to do so, to watch the games, preferring the confines of a living room.
The best way to register their protest would be to ignore/boycott watching the games on television, for that is pretty much the most important factor for international cricket now. It would initially register a barely visible dent in terms of viewership for the companies which produce/own/telecast the content. Eventually though, TRP ratings will be impacted. Then these companies would wake up and stop having headlines reading 'World Cup dream dies' or 'World Cup campaign back on track'.
Labels: 2007 world cup, india, mobs, pakistan, television, tv rights, world cup
Thus spake Jagadish @ 9:39 am | Sledge/Read 0 sledge(s)
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March 20, 2007
Gavaskar apologizes
Sunil Gavaskar, who displayed very little maturity when he referred to David Hookes' death, has finally apologized for his remark.
On live television and radio, sometimes you respond on the spur of the moment with a remark that can cause hurt and pain to others.Fair enough, Sunny. At least you realized and owned up that you messed up. I don't disagree with your comments on the Australian team's behaviour, but if 'spur of the moment' is your excuse, the Aussies can also say that all their behavioural malfunctions are on the 'spur of the moment'.
I realise and I accept that what I said was uncalled for and inappropriate. Having said that, I hope they have the bigness of heart to forgive me for what I said about David Hookes.
Labels: australia, behaviour, gavaskar, hookes
Thus spake Jagadish @ 8:11 pm | Sledge/Read 7 sledge(s)
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March 19, 2007
Understanding The Psyche of the So-Called Sub-Continental Cricket Fan
Rodney Cavalier, the chairman of Sydney Cricket Ground, once said that cricket as sport had the capacity to “engage of all the spectators’ senses”; it provides what he called “a soporific indifference to time and circumstance”. Even though Cavalier made that observation while celebrating the cerebral elements of the sport and the art and literature it inspires ahead of the New Year’s Test in Sydney three years ago, in a way, his account also explains some of the more extreme reactions that cricket routinely brings here in the sub-continent.
Burning posters and effigies, angry slogan clad rallies, and more outrageous protests by stoning players’ houses, calls for them to be arrested, they’re bank accounts be sealed, all this just in response to a loss at the World Cup. This latest stream of violence from some fans in both India and Pakistan that has led to increased security outside players’ homes has come after the two sides’ upset defeats against Bangladesh and Ireland respectively; reversibly fans in Bangladesh have reportedly come out on the streets to celebrate, with firecrackers, high waving flags and nationalistic chants.
Such extreme reactions are not one off. In Ranchi, the hometown of Indian wicket keeper batsman Dhoni, some 200 angry “fans” stormed the player’s under construction house after India’s loss, one of them complaining that he was "banking more on modelling than wicket-keeping and batting". State authorities have had to as result assign paramilitary units for the protection of Dhoni’s property. Speaking of which, this property, reportedly, a 360 square metre (4,000 square feet) plot of land, worth five million rupees ($110,000) was “awarded” to Dhoni by the Jharkand State it self.
So you’re left wondering what’s more outrageous, the fact that the state government decided to honor a cricketer by giving him free land, or the fact that angry fans tried to mob it after the said player had a bad day in the office. What drives such excessive reactions? Is it merely that ability of cricket to make its followers indifferent to time and circumstance and in this case, indifferent to logical perspective as well, or is it something deeper rotted, underlying and more sinister?
Amit Varma, whilst writing in The Mint, suggests that it’s driven by a misplaced since of “nationalism associated with cricket”. “This is a product of our past:” he writes, “For the first few decades of our independence, there was nothing at which an Indian could point and say, “Ah, India dominates in that, it can show the rest of the world how it’s done.” Cricket, for what its worth, turned out to be something we weren’t too bad at.” And the media he adds, “cannot separate nation from cricket either”, “some of our best writers still talk of our players being symbols of a newly assertive India, of how the journey of the cricket team mirrors the rise of our nation, and other such impressive-sounding rubbish”.
Whilst the perceptions here in Pakistan may not be decidedly the same, in fact, given the new spiritual look of the team, many commentators have argued the image Inzamam’s men project is contradicting that of Musharaf’s modern and liberal ‘enlightened moderated’ Pakistan, but that sense of correlating cricket with national pride and shame, nevertheless exists.
Amongst many of the fans that were on the streets pleading emotionally for the government to take action by withdrawing all the awards given to the players and management, there was a certain Yasir Ali, from Inzamam’s hometown Multan, “That is the least they can do for the shame and disgrace they have brought upon us” he lamented, adding that “They must be made to pay for their spineless performance”. In Hyderabad, another protester, club cricketer Saleem Kazi, asserted while taking part in the mock burial that they had “every right” to vent their anger given “people celebrated when the team won”. Obviously, no even ever told Saleem that two wrongs never make a right; placing cricketers on a pedestal when they win as if they were national saviors is just as wrong as demeaning them as insults to the nation when they lose.
Sportsmen and women are perceived as ambassadors for their nations at some levels through out the world, but such exaggerated chauvinism is unique to the subcontinent, and may well be the reflection of some of our hidden insecurities. But the misplaced nationalism theory still doesn’t completely explain the violence. You can be passionate about a sport, even regard it as matter of national disgrace or honor if the team loses or wins, but why go to such lengths to peruse this idea that in the process disregard all natural parameters of life?
Some play cards in the aforementioned protests to Pakistan’s loss chanted “death to Inzi, death to Woolmer”; the world and Woolmer’s mourning family, can now only wonder how much the unrelenting stresses of such a job may have contributed to his eventual tragic death yesterday. But the very next day, my local paper still reports that some ‘fans’ are expected to take out a protest rally in front of the Karachi Press Club, the cricket induced nationalism shouldn’t entice people to such acute lack of sensitivity, and disrespect of human life it self.
Such thoughtlessness too is not a one-off. Prem Panicker, a long time cricket writer for Rediff.com, for instance, discovered this condolence message for Woolmer’s family at the Rediff message board with a shocking recommendation for the Indian coach Greg Chapel:
Cross Posted at Sundries & Cricket Bloggers of Pakistan
Burning posters and effigies, angry slogan clad rallies, and more outrageous protests by stoning players’ houses, calls for them to be arrested, they’re bank accounts be sealed, all this just in response to a loss at the World Cup. This latest stream of violence from some fans in both India and Pakistan that has led to increased security outside players’ homes has come after the two sides’ upset defeats against Bangladesh and Ireland respectively; reversibly fans in Bangladesh have reportedly come out on the streets to celebrate, with firecrackers, high waving flags and nationalistic chants.Such extreme reactions are not one off. In Ranchi, the hometown of Indian wicket keeper batsman Dhoni, some 200 angry “fans” stormed the player’s under construction house after India’s loss, one of them complaining that he was "banking more on modelling than wicket-keeping and batting". State authorities have had to as result assign paramilitary units for the protection of Dhoni’s property. Speaking of which, this property, reportedly, a 360 square metre (4,000 square feet) plot of land, worth five million rupees ($110,000) was “awarded” to Dhoni by the Jharkand State it self.
So you’re left wondering what’s more outrageous, the fact that the state government decided to honor a cricketer by giving him free land, or the fact that angry fans tried to mob it after the said player had a bad day in the office. What drives such excessive reactions? Is it merely that ability of cricket to make its followers indifferent to time and circumstance and in this case, indifferent to logical perspective as well, or is it something deeper rotted, underlying and more sinister?
Amit Varma, whilst writing in The Mint, suggests that it’s driven by a misplaced since of “nationalism associated with cricket”. “This is a product of our past:” he writes, “For the first few decades of our independence, there was nothing at which an Indian could point and say, “Ah, India dominates in that, it can show the rest of the world how it’s done.” Cricket, for what its worth, turned out to be something we weren’t too bad at.” And the media he adds, “cannot separate nation from cricket either”, “some of our best writers still talk of our players being symbols of a newly assertive India, of how the journey of the cricket team mirrors the rise of our nation, and other such impressive-sounding rubbish”.
Whilst the perceptions here in Pakistan may not be decidedly the same, in fact, given the new spiritual look of the team, many commentators have argued the image Inzamam’s men project is contradicting that of Musharaf’s modern and liberal ‘enlightened moderated’ Pakistan, but that sense of correlating cricket with national pride and shame, nevertheless exists.
Amongst many of the fans that were on the streets pleading emotionally for the government to take action by withdrawing all the awards given to the players and management, there was a certain Yasir Ali, from Inzamam’s hometown Multan, “That is the least they can do for the shame and disgrace they have brought upon us” he lamented, adding that “They must be made to pay for their spineless performance”. In Hyderabad, another protester, club cricketer Saleem Kazi, asserted while taking part in the mock burial that they had “every right” to vent their anger given “people celebrated when the team won”. Obviously, no even ever told Saleem that two wrongs never make a right; placing cricketers on a pedestal when they win as if they were national saviors is just as wrong as demeaning them as insults to the nation when they lose.
Sportsmen and women are perceived as ambassadors for their nations at some levels through out the world, but such exaggerated chauvinism is unique to the subcontinent, and may well be the reflection of some of our hidden insecurities. But the misplaced nationalism theory still doesn’t completely explain the violence. You can be passionate about a sport, even regard it as matter of national disgrace or honor if the team loses or wins, but why go to such lengths to peruse this idea that in the process disregard all natural parameters of life?
Some play cards in the aforementioned protests to Pakistan’s loss chanted “death to Inzi, death to Woolmer”; the world and Woolmer’s mourning family, can now only wonder how much the unrelenting stresses of such a job may have contributed to his eventual tragic death yesterday. But the very next day, my local paper still reports that some ‘fans’ are expected to take out a protest rally in front of the Karachi Press Club, the cricket induced nationalism shouldn’t entice people to such acute lack of sensitivity, and disrespect of human life it self.
Such thoughtlessness too is not a one-off. Prem Panicker, a long time cricket writer for Rediff.com, for instance, discovered this condolence message for Woolmer’s family at the Rediff message board with a shocking recommendation for the Indian coach Greg Chapel:
“i think greg chappel should also learn from this thing.,.,1 advice fr him is -if he cannot lead the team of india.,.,he should commit suicide.,.,its like playinn wid d semtiiments of the billion ppl of india…”Prem wonders “what kind of warped mind will view the death of one giant of sport, to advise another to kill himself?”, but it seems few things came in the way of the fanatical obsession some people have. You’d have hoped the sudden nature and timing of Woolmer’s tragic death would have put some perspective back into these guys, but perhaps, as Prem implies, this is what their 'passion' for cricket has brought them to, “mental myopia” and “moral atrophy”. May God bless the soul of Bob Woolmer, and guide these ignorant out of their misery they’re in.
Cross Posted at Sundries & Cricket Bloggers of Pakistan
Labels: 2007 world cup, bangladesh, india, mobs, pakistan, world cup
Thus spake Unknown @ 6:52 pm | Sledge/Read 8 sledge(s)
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Cultures Clash at Sabina
It was a clash of cultures at Sabina Park on Saturday as a presumably Irish fan mooned a section of the Jamaican crowd in the West Stand. Jamaica is famously anti-homosexuality and the crowd responded by chanting TOK's "Chi Chi Man" song, in which the lyrics call for the death of homosexuals (chi chi man). The man, pictured above, in the light blue shirt, was removed by police officers, possibly for his own safety.
I'm not sure what started the incident, but a loud "NOOOO!" was heard above me in the stands. Turning to look behind, there was this man about ten rows back, bent over with his rear facing the crowd above (thankfully, not in my direction). He then proceeded to expose his rear to the agitated crowd. The band in the stands started playing "Chi chi man" and the crowd joined in in singing the song. Undoubtedly, the man had no idea that the crowd was actually calling for his death as they "called down fire" on him and branded him a homosexual. One line of the song states "Chi chi man fi dead and dat's a fact".
Seemingly energised by the crowd's reaction the man ran up the stands towards them, only to see every male in the vicinity scatter from him. He then ran back down to his original position and threatened to moon them again before a police officer advised him not to do it, presumably for his own safety. The spectacle continued until a senior officer came and had the man removed to the cheers of the crowd. I must hasten to add that the man was not attacked in any way and the crowd seemingly enjoyed the back and forth more than anything else.
Another Irish fan will have to fork over $100,000 Jamaican dollars (or approximately US$1,500) or face 30 days in a Jamaican jail, as he ran on to the field when bad light and rain stopped play. His friends reportedly said that he thought the match was over and came out to celebrate. Hopefully those friends of his will help him pay that fine, or he will certainly leave World Cup 2007 with some bad memories!
(Cross posted from Rain, No Play)
Labels: 2007 world cup, ireland, world cup
Thus spake Sean @ 7:13 am | Sledge/Read 0 sledge(s)
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In the memory of Robert Andrew Woolmer
Ah, when to the heart of manWas it ever less than a treason
To go with the drift of things,
To yield with a grace to reason,
And bow and accept the end
Of a love or a season?
~ Robert Frost
Bob Woolmer, 1948-2007
Image: Copyright Martin Williamson, from Cricinfo
Life is strange. A day after what was perhaps Pakistan's worst performance in our entire cricket history, Bob Woolmer, our coach, passed away, due to what might have been a heart attack at round about 4 PM Pakistani time, after being found unconscious in his hotel room earlier in the day. Around the same time I was writing a detailed post on my own blog about both his achievements and short comings as the coach of Pakistan. A few hours later, as the news of his death broke, a deep sense of sorrow and reflection on whether I was perhaps a bit too judgmental and a bit too hasty in my reactions, ensued within me, and can now be seen across the Pakistani and indeed global blogosphere, as more people react to the sad news.
I think it’s important to understand that the over reaction from some people aside, the majority of Pakistan’s fan had nothing personal against the man. In any professional field, when you do a job and the stakes are high, and your results aren’t good, there is some criticism. And Bob him self was a very broad-minded man when it came to taking criticism, I remember that in the early part of his coaching stint he replied to each and every single email he received from countless Pakistani fans flocking at his website, responding to everything, from praise, to criticism to just suggestions.
Of course he couldn’t keep up this regime as the number of emails and his own work assignments kept growing and growing, but it showed, that initial phase, of how eager and keen he was about his assignment with the Pakistan team. Through out his stint he spoke of his time with Pakistan as an ongoing challenge, off late, especially since August last year, he had increasingly spoken of the mental strains of the job, admitting that he’d considered resigning at one point after the Oval fiasco, and saying as late as yesterday, in the immediate aftermath of our loss against Ireland, that things “take toll on you”.
May be Bob was just tired, or may be couldn’t bear the result yesterday, it’s very tough, and unfair even, to speculate now, but either way, his sudden death, certainly puts things in perspective. Sport is after all, just sport, and nothing is bigger then life it self. Perhaps we over rate winning and losing, and the joy and sorrow we derive from each. Bob Woolmer may not have achieved all that Pakistani fans would have hoped he would achieve for Pakistan Cricket, but we, and I really hope I am speaking on behalf of all of fans of the game here in this country, do have a lot of respect for you Bob, as a human being, if nothing, for the mere fact that you put up with us, and our judgmental analysis of you for three years, we’re so sorry; may your soul rest in peace.
I think it’s important to understand that the over reaction from some people aside, the majority of Pakistan’s fan had nothing personal against the man. In any professional field, when you do a job and the stakes are high, and your results aren’t good, there is some criticism. And Bob him self was a very broad-minded man when it came to taking criticism, I remember that in the early part of his coaching stint he replied to each and every single email he received from countless Pakistani fans flocking at his website, responding to everything, from praise, to criticism to just suggestions.
Of course he couldn’t keep up this regime as the number of emails and his own work assignments kept growing and growing, but it showed, that initial phase, of how eager and keen he was about his assignment with the Pakistan team. Through out his stint he spoke of his time with Pakistan as an ongoing challenge, off late, especially since August last year, he had increasingly spoken of the mental strains of the job, admitting that he’d considered resigning at one point after the Oval fiasco, and saying as late as yesterday, in the immediate aftermath of our loss against Ireland, that things “take toll on you”.
May be Bob was just tired, or may be couldn’t bear the result yesterday, it’s very tough, and unfair even, to speculate now, but either way, his sudden death, certainly puts things in perspective. Sport is after all, just sport, and nothing is bigger then life it self. Perhaps we over rate winning and losing, and the joy and sorrow we derive from each. Bob Woolmer may not have achieved all that Pakistani fans would have hoped he would achieve for Pakistan Cricket, but we, and I really hope I am speaking on behalf of all of fans of the game here in this country, do have a lot of respect for you Bob, as a human being, if nothing, for the mere fact that you put up with us, and our judgmental analysis of you for three years, we’re so sorry; may your soul rest in peace.
See also: Cricinfo recalls his cricket playing and coaching career, the rest of the cricket world pay their respects and journalists Kamran Abbasi, Osman Samiuddin and Dileep Premachandran, react to the sad news as well.
Cross posted on Sundries and Cricket Bloggers of Pakistan
Labels: 2007 world cup, bob woolmer, death, pakistan, world cup
Thus spake Unknown @ 3:17 am | Sledge/Read 1 sledge(s)
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March 18, 2007
Double Shocker!
In probably the most stunning day of cricket in the history of the World Cup, Pakistan crashed out of the World Cup at the hands of associate nation Ireland and favourites India were cut down by unfancied Bangladesh. India are now in serious danger of bowing out in the group stage.
In Jamaica, on St. Patrick's day, the Irish created the biggest upset in World Cups since Kenya defeated the Windies in 1996. Irish captain Trent Johnston, won the toss and inserted the opposition on a pitch that offered some sideways movement early on. Andre Botha was the bowling star for the Irish, returning the unworldly figures of 2 wickets for 5 runs off 8 overs, including maidens. Botha got the key wicket of Pakistan captain Inzamam, as the Pakistanis lost wickets early and often. The Pakistanis never got on top of the bowling and were pinned down as they folded for 132 in 45.4 overs. Extras topscored at 29, including a massive 22 wides by the Irish bowlers. The Pakistani batting has been a major disappointment this World Cup. The best word I can think of to describe their batting is "neutered", as they lacked passion or even any sense of life in their batting.
N'iall O'Brien topscored with 72.
In reply, a solid 72 by man of the match N'iall O'Brien, took the Irish to the 3 wicket win. Mohammad Sami was the only Pakistani bowler on show that consistently looked capable of taking a wicket.
Sami took 3/29
His fiery pace earned him figures of 3/29 from his ten overs. Those figures weren't enought to stop the Irish on this day, and when Johnston hit Azar Mahmood for six to win the match, the overwhelmingly pro-Ireland crowd went wild.
In Trinidad, India have found themselves on the outside of the "group of death". A listless, uninspiring performance by the Indians, means that they must beat Sri Lanka, or they will be joining Pakistan with an early exit.
Batting first, the Indians failed to cope with the pace of Mashrafe Mortaza (4/38) nor the left arm spin of Mohammad Rafique and Abdur Razzak, 3 wickets a piece. These three bowlers were among the leading wicket takers in ODIs last year, so their returns should not be shocking. Sourav Ganguly topscored with a grinding 66 off 129 balls as India were bowled out for 191 in the 50th over.
The Bangladeshis then coolly knocked off the runs, with teenagers Tanim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim and Saqibul Hasan making half centuries. They reached their target for the loss of only 5 wickets to claim their second ever World Cup win.
Not that we like to brag, but we did say that Ireland were a dangerous team here, here and here. On St Patrick's Day, all the luck was with the Irish, lets' hope that that luck runs out when they meet the Windies. It may still be hard to believe that the Irish actually knocked off the Pakistanis, so here's one more picture to prove it:
The West Indies will do well to avoid losing to Zimbabwe and Ireland next week, as they no longer have the points from the Pakistan match to take to the Super Eights.
(Cross Posted from Rain, No Play)
Labels: 2007 world cup, bangladesh, india, ireland, pakistan, world cup
Thus spake Sean @ 6:56 am | Sledge/Read 4 sledge(s)
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Éireann go Bràch!
The minnows at this World Cup have so taken one of two options:
- Capitulate miserably, for (near-)record margins. See Bermuda, Scotland, and the Netherlands.
- Fight hard and show more nous and spirit than some would expect, giving themselves a real chance of progressing. See Kenya, Bangladesh, and, most thrillingly, Ireland.
Ignoring more ties, Ireland can only fail to go through if Zimbabwe don't lose their remaining two matches. Pakistan can only go through if Zimbabwe and Ireland beat West Indies, and they beat Zimbabwe. West Indies should go through as group winners, with Ireland second.
It's been a bad day for other 'foreign' sports in Ireland. The rugby team were very unfortunate to finish second in the Six Nations, and their ex-captain, now a manager, slated the recent football squad selection. Cricket isn't even Ireland's fourth sport. By participation, it falls behind hurling, Gaelic football, rugby union, football, and maybe even hockey. I'm lost for words to describe the scale of this achievement.
By contrast, Bangladesh beating India seems also a normal result. Assuming that the subcontinental teams in that group all thump Bermuda, it could well come down to the games against each other - and possibly even run-rate. One thing's almost certain, though: Asia and Europe will both lose two of their four participants after the group stages, with the other two progressing.
Labels: 2007 world cup, ireland, minnows, pakistan, upset, world cup
Thus spake Geoff @ 4:32 am | Sledge/Read 4 sledge(s)
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March 17, 2007
SA wins in extraordinary fashion
So, SA (not surprizingly) beats the Netherlands.
It was an extraordinary performance. Filled with records falling.
- Gibbs hitting six sixes.
- Boucher hitting faster ever fifty in a world cup match.
- SA's biggest ODI winning margin (runs).
- There's probably more.
However, 1 very big questionmark for me is, SA's inability to take 10 wickets. Even against a minnows side like the Netherlands only 6 wickets (and 3 runouts) were recorded in 40 overs.
But I guess that taking wickets is not so important for ODI's. It's just a worry.
I heard some of the commentators say that the "quota" of players are 4 non-whites playing, and 7 in the squad. This time there wasn't 4 playing, but Ntini was late in coming to the West Indies so that's why he missed this one.
With that in mind then, it'll be AB de Villiers and Andre Nel and Andrew Hall competing for the white spot. With my guess being Loots Bosman playing the most, as SA's batting seems to be strong enough at the moment.
Labels: 2007 world cup, gibbs, holland, netherlands, south africa, world cup
Thus spake Reenen @ 8:10 pm | Sledge/Read 0 sledge(s)
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6 Sixes - Jackpot!
Today Herschelle Gibbs of South Africa did what had never been done before - he hit 6 sixes in an over in the World Cup. Now, Sir Garry Sobers and Ravi Shastri had done this before in county/domestic cricket, but this was the first time that it had ever been done in an international match. So unlikely was the feat that liquor company Johnnie Walker had offered to donate US$1 million to Habitat for Humanity if any player hit six sixes in an over at the World Cup.
I bet it sounded like a great idea at the time. They probably thought that they would get free publicity as no one would accomplish the feat. Well for $1 million, we certainly hope that they get as much publicity as they can. According to Johnnie Walker, they "couldn't be more thrilled with donating US$1 million to Habitat for Humanity in our efforts to enrich the Caribbean community".
If they are so thrilled then why not just donate the money? Why make the money conditional on an event that had never taken place before? For all those Johnnie Walker whisky lovers out there, if the price of a bottle suddenly goes up, then you know why!
Labels: 2007 world cup, gibbs, holland, netherlands, sixes, sobers, south africa, world cup
Thus spake Sean @ 10:08 am | Sledge/Read 5 sledge(s)
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March 16, 2007
The storm before the calm
England are playing New Zealand this evening in a match that, quite obviously, is vital to both teams.
Both should qualify, despite the presence of Kenya. But going into the Super Eight on effectively -2 points is a big disadvantage, especially as both will have lined the other up for some easy points. Theoretically, Australia and South Africa shouldn't care about the result of their match, as they should both make the semis anyway. They will, of course, but it will matter less.
It's likely that two of Australia, South Africa, India, and Sri Lanka will enter the Super Eight hurting from a loss. All of these teams will be looking to New Zealand and especially England for one of the four wins they (probably) need to reach the semi-finals. So the winner can afford to attempt to muddle through rather than go for broke, and we know how well muddling through can go.
After this match, both England and New Zealand play two minnows. For the winner, it's the perfect opportunity to lose form. For the loser, it's an opportunity to either build confidence or slide to an embarrassing defeat. Sadly, thanks to the carry-over of points, there's no incentive for teams to manufacture results to knock another team out as they'd only disadvantage themselves in the Super Eight.
Labels: 2007 world cup, england, new zealand, world cup
Thus spake Geoff @ 4:52 pm | Sledge/Read 1 sledge(s)
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