da pinup bet： Kenya have done the minor teams of world cricket a big favour by beating Sri Lanka, higlighting that there is talent available outside the Test-playing countries
da jogodeouro： Erapalli Prasanna28-Feb-2003Kenya has done the minnows of world cricket a big favour bybeating Sri Lanka, a result that higlighted the fact that thereis talent available outside the Test-playing countries. The shockupset and John Davison’s awesome century against the West Indieshas sent a reminder to the International Cricket Council (ICC)that they have to do more to help these countries than just allowthem to play a few World Cup games once every four years.The reach of cricket spans across all the continents now and allthe latest converts need is a helping hand from the ICC. There isno shortage of funds at the disposal of the ICC, and I think itwill be a good idea for the game’s premier body to set uptraining academies in countries, which are knocking on the doorsof international recognition. Globalisation of the game can onlyhappen if the ICC chalks out a plan to improve the standard ofthe game in these associate member countries so that they can beintegrated into the bigger international arena.To achieve this, the ICC needs to look at re-investing the vastamount of money generated from the current internationalfixtures, by promoting more ‘A’ tours to associate membercountries and also by allowing countries like Canada, Namibia,Kenya and Holland to tour the major cricketing countries. If mymemory serves me right, Canada’s participation in this World Cupwas in doubt, as they couldn’t find a sponsor. It is in such ascenario that the ICC has to step in to help these countries.The quality of cricket in the World Cup games, which involved theminnows, though, has been abysmal. Blaming these teams thoughwill not solve the issue; the crux of the problem lies in theeconomic realities in these associate countries. It will benaïve, to quote a hypothetical instance, to wait for a sponsor tosupport Canada’s tour of India. It is here that the individualboards and the ICC should work together in evolving a solution.Only with astute investment in countries with potential will webe able to see more competitive sides emerging and making theWorld Cup more attractive. Otherwise, we will have the currentsituation of 14 teams divided into two pools, which I think isgetting too stale. Hypothetically, if we have a situation, wherefour good teams are in a group, with all teams playing the otherjust once, the competition will be at its best.Now moving over to the Indian team, I am delighted at the waythey have bounced back after a couple of disappointingperformances. No one doubted their ability to play well; it wastheir application that was questioned by many, including me.In this happy hour, when they have almost assured themselves aplace in the Super Sixes, they must also make peace with the factthat they will have to take the brickbats with the bouquets, forthat is the very nature of life. Unfortunately or fortunately, weIndians are not made like the Australians or the English and area very emotional people. What Sourav Ganguly’s men should then dois tap into that powerful reservoir of emotional energy and bondtogether. A cohesive and confident Indian team is the one we alllove to see, even if they happen to lose an odd game now andthen. I am glad that they seem to have recognised this fact andare winning games in the most encouraging manner possible.In contrast, look at the negative energy that is breaking up theSouth African team; when the togetherness is lost, the team tendsto lose its way. That is why the basic lesson we teach the youngplayers in the cricketing academies around the world is to forgeand sustain the team spirit. At no level should there be a stepmotherly approach to any player or team, for it is thistogetherness and camaraderie that makes cricket such a wonderfulsport to play.