The Hindu : Sport : World Cup has had little go so far

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Sunday, Apr 08, 2007
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World Cup has had little go so far

S. Ram Mahesh

It's a pity that the quadrennial showpiece has been compromised

St. Peter's: The 2007 World Cup has had little go its way thus far.

The twin departures of India and Pakistan, and the imminent exit of the host have caused a rash of problems: a significant number of fans have cancelled their trips; those that make it aren't connected.

The building of atmosphere has bee compromised on many levels: on the obvious level of live crowds, on the more subtle levels of falling TV audiences — and let's not kid ourselves, one-day cricket, especially the World Cup, is a TV product.

Sinister happenings

But, the loss of India and Pakistan doesn't compare to the sinister happenings in Kingston. The decision to continue with the World Cup after Bob Woolmer's murder was, ostensibly, to not give in to the forces of evil. Except, these forces, if conjecture can be believed, lie within cricket and not without.

Clearly the stakes were too high to call off the World Cup. The decision hit the quadrennial showpiece hard. Credibility was lost: it was just a perception, argue some, but perception in popular sport, particularly a sport that's looking to globalise, is everything.

By the time the Super Eight competition rolled out, the World Cup, which promised so much in its opening ceremony, had the pop of a rain-drenched firecracker. The crowds were dwindling: the Sri Lanka-England game featured one of the largest turnouts, all of 8000, of which 4000 were the Barmy Army.

Moreover, the crowds weren't Caribbean.

Someone once wrote that watching cricket in the Caribbean engaged all the senses, that music, drink, food, and costume was essential. Yet, increasingly the refrain from the locals was "it isn't our World Cup.''

High ticket prices

The prime reason for discontent was the difficulty in getting food, drink, and musical instruments into the ground. The exorbitant ticket prices — $100 most places — ensured most didn't even bother making it to the turnstiles.

"Now there may be many reasons why the atmosphere as you say is not typically Caribbean. Believe me no one knows Caribbean better than we do. The new stadium is larger and perhaps not as intimate as the old Recreation Ground," said Sir Vivian Richards.

"But, I believe there are too many restrictions. We as Caribbean people live differently from Europeans. We have a different vibe; the energy of the Caribbean is different. It's like holding us by the throat and asking us not to shout. It's tough."

Australian wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist said, "You come to the Caribbean to experience that unique atmosphere that is Caribbean cricket. There certainly is an element of the sterile feel about it. I don't know whether that's because administration hasn't let it flow or whether people just aren't turning up. It's a little bit frustrating. Whatever the (pricing) policy is at the moment, it doesn't seem to be working."

Taking action

At least Barbados, one of the sites of the next round of Super Eight matches, has taken action. Stephen Alleyne, the CEO of the Local Organising Committee, deviated from the party line and admitted things weren't bonny. He said measures were in place to keep it closer to the original calypso feel. Musical instruments would be cleared at the gate on the day of the game, he said; one didn't need written permission beforehand.

It's a pity the World Cup has been compromised. For the varying conditions across islands, the tracks, which have exceeded expectations, and the early starts, have added to the cricket. Captains have been forced to front up to tactical facets. Opening batting has been re-defined again, and taking wickets in the middle overs has gained primacy.

Little wonder that the two best captains, Stephen Fleming and Mahela Jaywardene, have stood out.

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