© Shailesh Nigam, Varun Khanna (for respective articles)
So, Pakistan are the new world champions of T20 cricket (or chaddi cricket, as my friend & co-blogger Varun would call it).
Did they deserve to win? I think they did, despite my being an Indian who would be the most unlikely supporter of anything Pakistani. Though I can also have a last laugh by saying in the same breath that India beat Pakistan in this very World Cup even before the first official ball was bowled in the championship. So, we’ve vanquished the eventual victors, and by that very logic are better than them. However, I do not wish to steal their thunder, and for once I will applaud them for their achievement.
The pre-tournament favourites for me were South Africa, Sri Lanka and India (not necessarily in the same order). However, there were other teams who gave two hoots to what I thought and came to the party. Both West Indies & Pakistan showed that they were hungry and ready to play big daddy. Amongst the early favourites, the South Africans did reach the semis but choked at that stage as they so often do (maybe they should get an automatic bypass to the finals the next time they qualify for finals in a championship, and then maybe they can lift a cup). Both Australia (who weren’t in anybody’s reckoning despite being the best team otherwise – I know I am playing with peril by saying this, but no arguments please) & India (the defending champs) withered away in the early stages to set up the final clash between Sri Lanka & Pakistan. Finally, the champion is a country that didn’t just deserve to win; it ‘needed’ to win badly.
The two finalists were nations whose cricketing destiny seems to be intertwined ever since the terrorist attack on Sri Lankan cricketers in Lahore on 4th of March, 2009. Pakistan has been the pariah of cricket ever since. That they have been reduced to becoming touring cricketers, who are now forced to embark on a journey every time they want to play international cricket, since no nation wants to tour the terror-ridden Pakistan, has meant that they’ve not had too much going for them for some time now. They did need something to revive them, and for sure this victory is going to do wonders to the sport and the general feel-good factor in the country.
Sports has a way of creating a mood across any nation, and it finally reflects in the economy & general behavior of people. Is it because the people are generally happy after the victory, prone to partying & spending on self, family & friends? Or is it merely coincidental? Historic evidence suggests that every time Brazil has won the football world cup, their economy has received a huge boost. Indian cricket (and Indian confidence) really started looking up post the 1983 world cup win. When Italy won the FIFA Cup in 2006, for months it seemed that the nation was forever in a celebratory mood, and the economy went into 5th gear. Since it has happened so many times to so many nations, it can’t just be written off as a coincident. And I do hope this victory does something similar to Pakistan – they really need to have something to rejoice about. They need to come out of their closet and become a part of the developing world where terrorism has no place. They need to bask in the glory of what they have achieved, and not bicker over what was never theirs. They need to shun violence & hatred, and embrace friendship & goodwill towards others. They need to be seen as people who one can be friends with. History has given Pakistan an opportunity, and as a neighbour I do hope they grab this one.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Chhaddi enters the final stages...
© Shailesh Nigam, Varun Khanna (for respective articles)
The forgettable Super Eight stage for India ended last night and T20 World cup enters the final knock out stage. South Africa and Sri Lanka with their undefeated run will continue to be favorites for the grand finale on 21st at Lords. What a match it would be if it happens! Pakistan and West Indies, on the other hand are the two teams which are coming from behind and by now they have already demonstrated that on their day they can humble all reputations. The uncertainties of the game prevents one to predict the champions, still.
Pakistan would like their batters and fielders to back their strong bowling. Windies will rely once again on their limited match winners to be in their 'zone'. South Africa has surprised everyone with new weapon in their armory - spin... who would have thought! Sri Lanka have their M square (Murli & Mendis) doing exactly what they are best at - choking opposition and leaking their wickets, and Slinga ever so devastatingly gives them more than an option at the death. Suddenly T20 seems to have become a bowlers game... again... who would have thought!
Three straight losses for India in important games has already become a national calamity. All newspapers and news channels worth their salt have yet again taken the responsibility to dissect, analyze, identify reasons and responsibles for the debacle and pronounce the punishment to the perpetrators on prime space in their respective mediums. Dhoni and his team get converted from national heroes to Ajmal Kasab before they could say 'Oh Shit!'. Surprising what one bad week can do...
Of course there are issues. There was an apparent deficiency in commitment from Indians on the field, bit of overconfidence and fatigue. The optional practice sessions before crucial matches lacked participation. Ball kept on slipping out of fielders butter fingers and there was no direct hit on stumps when it mattered - a stark contrast with previous world cup where Indian fielding made difference in every match they won.
I am 100% confident that BCCI would certainly fix these issues at the first opportunity they get after they finish fully commercializing the sport. The only problem is that this is not likely to happen soon enough. Till such time, I am afraid we will have to contend with watching India win only on ESPNSTAR and NEO, who will happily continue to replay the old glory.
The silver lining after Indian loss is that probability of the best team winning has increased!!!
The forgettable Super Eight stage for India ended last night and T20 World cup enters the final knock out stage. South Africa and Sri Lanka with their undefeated run will continue to be favorites for the grand finale on 21st at Lords. What a match it would be if it happens! Pakistan and West Indies, on the other hand are the two teams which are coming from behind and by now they have already demonstrated that on their day they can humble all reputations. The uncertainties of the game prevents one to predict the champions, still.
Pakistan would like their batters and fielders to back their strong bowling. Windies will rely once again on their limited match winners to be in their 'zone'. South Africa has surprised everyone with new weapon in their armory - spin... who would have thought! Sri Lanka have their M square (Murli & Mendis) doing exactly what they are best at - choking opposition and leaking their wickets, and Slinga ever so devastatingly gives them more than an option at the death. Suddenly T20 seems to have become a bowlers game... again... who would have thought!
Three straight losses for India in important games has already become a national calamity. All newspapers and news channels worth their salt have yet again taken the responsibility to dissect, analyze, identify reasons and responsibles for the debacle and pronounce the punishment to the perpetrators on prime space in their respective mediums. Dhoni and his team get converted from national heroes to Ajmal Kasab before they could say 'Oh Shit!'. Surprising what one bad week can do...
Of course there are issues. There was an apparent deficiency in commitment from Indians on the field, bit of overconfidence and fatigue. The optional practice sessions before crucial matches lacked participation. Ball kept on slipping out of fielders butter fingers and there was no direct hit on stumps when it mattered - a stark contrast with previous world cup where Indian fielding made difference in every match they won.
I am 100% confident that BCCI would certainly fix these issues at the first opportunity they get after they finish fully commercializing the sport. The only problem is that this is not likely to happen soon enough. Till such time, I am afraid we will have to contend with watching India win only on ESPNSTAR and NEO, who will happily continue to replay the old glory.
The silver lining after Indian loss is that probability of the best team winning has increased!!!
Monday, June 15, 2009
Cricket’s glorious 5 centuries!
© Shailesh Nigam, Varun Khanna (for respective articles)
There are billions of followers of cricket the world over, many of them self-confessed fanatics. Yet, very few know about the origin & evolution of cricket. In this article, I try to put forth what I learned based on my own knowledge & some research over the Internet.
While a lot has been done to trace cricket’s origins, there is no final conclusion. It is commonly believed that the game was invented by English shepherds to while away their time while grazing the sheep. They used to use farm equipment & wooden sticks to hit a round-shaped object made of wood or stone… winner being the one who hit it farthest.
The first written evidence of a game known as ‘creag’ played by Prince Edward at Kent is in 1301, which could place cricket’s history back to 7 centuries. However, it is merely speculated that this was cricket and there is no concrete evidence of the same. For all purposes of reported history, cricket originated as a sport in England in the early 16th century, way back in the Tudor era, sometime earlier than the beginning of Queen Elizabeth I’s reign (1558 – 1603).
The earliest definite reference to the term ‘cricket’ is in 1598, when it was called ‘creckett’. The reference is in a court case about a sport played by the students of the Royal Grammar School, Guildford around 1550 (whew, that is over 450 years ago). The word is assumed to have been derived from the Old English word ‘cryce’ meaning a stick/staff. Way back then, the cricket (or cryce) bats were shaped liked bent staffs (like hockey sticks), and the ball used to be rolled on the ground for the batsman to hit. The bats continued in this form until they evolved over 2 centuries (!!!) later in 1760, when bowlers started pitching the ball instead of rolling it towards the batsmen. This meant that the ball came bouncing towards the batsmen, and this necessitated the introduction of a straighter bat, the kind that is used today.
By the early 17th century, around 1610, the sport had evolved to the level of a contest, where inter-parish matches were being held. The game’s popularity kept growing through the 17th century; however, it was popular mostly in southern England and it still remained a villagers’ game. But, by the end of the century, things changed. The rich started patronizing the sport and forming their own ‘Select XIs’, on whom they placed bets (who says ‘Super Selector’ is new?), and this helped it become an organized sport played for high stakes all across England.
The first proof of cricket’s popularity comes from a newspaper report about an 11-players-a-side match that was played in Sussex in 1697. The fact that a newspaper found this worthy-enough of being written about in ‘holier-than-thou journalism days’ also suggests that the sport had assumed a fairly important status. As early as 1707, cricket had become prominent in London, with teams coming to play from afar, which attracted huge crowds & betters.
The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) was founded in 1787, when the Lord’s Cricket Ground (named after Thomas Lord, a professional bowler who was encouraged by his club-mates to find & run a private cricketing venue within easy distance of London), the mecca of cricket, was formally opened. However, the first ground was not in the same place as the current ground and Lord’s has been moved twice till it reached its current home. Though it was not the first cricket club in England, MCC quickly assumed the position of the most premier club and the custodian of the Laws of Cricket.
By the end of the 18th century, cricket had become so popular that it was accorded the status of the national sport of England, and the expansion of the British Empire led to cricket being played by the Englishmen in other countries. The game became well established in Australia, New Zealand, the Caribbean Islands, India, South Africa and North America (yes, North America – even though it is not a very popular sport in that continent anymore). In fact, you’d be surprised to learn that the first ever international cricket match was played in 1844, between the United States of America & Canada (although neither has been accorded a Test-playing nation status ever)!!!
By the mid-19th century, international matches begun to gain importance. In 1859, the English Team went on their first overseas tour to North America (see picture below). In 1862, the English made their first tour of Australia, and in 1876-77, played the first Test Match at Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia. The term ‘Ashes’ came into existence shortly, due to the cricketing rivalry between the English & the Australians in 1882, when at The Oval, Australia beat England on an English ground for the first time, and a newspaper wrote that English cricket had died, and “the body will be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia”. Within the same decade, international cricket expanded further when South Africa became the 3rd nation to play international cricket, when they played England in 1888-89.
The English Cricket Team aboard their ship on the tour to USA & Canada, 1859
With cricket’s growing footprint, a global governing body was needed, and the International Cricket Council (ICC) was formed. Originally founded as the Imperial Cricket Conference by England, Australia & South Africa, it came into existence exactly a century ago on 15th June, 1909. It was renamed the International Cricket Conference in 1965, and took up its current name in 1989.
The game has gained huge popularity over these 100 years, and today ICC’s headquarters have moved away from England to Dubai, highlighting the widespread impact that other nations have had on cricket. Today, over a 100 nations (that’s half the world by nation-count, and probably half the world even by population count) play the sport, and the popularity is growing. That’s cricket’s impact for you – 5 great centuries, and getting better!
There are billions of followers of cricket the world over, many of them self-confessed fanatics. Yet, very few know about the origin & evolution of cricket. In this article, I try to put forth what I learned based on my own knowledge & some research over the Internet.
While a lot has been done to trace cricket’s origins, there is no final conclusion. It is commonly believed that the game was invented by English shepherds to while away their time while grazing the sheep. They used to use farm equipment & wooden sticks to hit a round-shaped object made of wood or stone… winner being the one who hit it farthest.
The first written evidence of a game known as ‘creag’ played by Prince Edward at Kent is in 1301, which could place cricket’s history back to 7 centuries. However, it is merely speculated that this was cricket and there is no concrete evidence of the same. For all purposes of reported history, cricket originated as a sport in England in the early 16th century, way back in the Tudor era, sometime earlier than the beginning of Queen Elizabeth I’s reign (1558 – 1603).
The earliest definite reference to the term ‘cricket’ is in 1598, when it was called ‘creckett’. The reference is in a court case about a sport played by the students of the Royal Grammar School, Guildford around 1550 (whew, that is over 450 years ago). The word is assumed to have been derived from the Old English word ‘cryce’ meaning a stick/staff. Way back then, the cricket (or cryce) bats were shaped liked bent staffs (like hockey sticks), and the ball used to be rolled on the ground for the batsman to hit. The bats continued in this form until they evolved over 2 centuries (!!!) later in 1760, when bowlers started pitching the ball instead of rolling it towards the batsmen. This meant that the ball came bouncing towards the batsmen, and this necessitated the introduction of a straighter bat, the kind that is used today.
By the early 17th century, around 1610, the sport had evolved to the level of a contest, where inter-parish matches were being held. The game’s popularity kept growing through the 17th century; however, it was popular mostly in southern England and it still remained a villagers’ game. But, by the end of the century, things changed. The rich started patronizing the sport and forming their own ‘Select XIs’, on whom they placed bets (who says ‘Super Selector’ is new?), and this helped it become an organized sport played for high stakes all across England.
The first proof of cricket’s popularity comes from a newspaper report about an 11-players-a-side match that was played in Sussex in 1697. The fact that a newspaper found this worthy-enough of being written about in ‘holier-than-thou journalism days’ also suggests that the sport had assumed a fairly important status. As early as 1707, cricket had become prominent in London, with teams coming to play from afar, which attracted huge crowds & betters.
The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) was founded in 1787, when the Lord’s Cricket Ground (named after Thomas Lord, a professional bowler who was encouraged by his club-mates to find & run a private cricketing venue within easy distance of London), the mecca of cricket, was formally opened. However, the first ground was not in the same place as the current ground and Lord’s has been moved twice till it reached its current home. Though it was not the first cricket club in England, MCC quickly assumed the position of the most premier club and the custodian of the Laws of Cricket.
By the end of the 18th century, cricket had become so popular that it was accorded the status of the national sport of England, and the expansion of the British Empire led to cricket being played by the Englishmen in other countries. The game became well established in Australia, New Zealand, the Caribbean Islands, India, South Africa and North America (yes, North America – even though it is not a very popular sport in that continent anymore). In fact, you’d be surprised to learn that the first ever international cricket match was played in 1844, between the United States of America & Canada (although neither has been accorded a Test-playing nation status ever)!!!
By the mid-19th century, international matches begun to gain importance. In 1859, the English Team went on their first overseas tour to North America (see picture below). In 1862, the English made their first tour of Australia, and in 1876-77, played the first Test Match at Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia. The term ‘Ashes’ came into existence shortly, due to the cricketing rivalry between the English & the Australians in 1882, when at The Oval, Australia beat England on an English ground for the first time, and a newspaper wrote that English cricket had died, and “the body will be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia”. Within the same decade, international cricket expanded further when South Africa became the 3rd nation to play international cricket, when they played England in 1888-89.
The English Cricket Team aboard their ship on the tour to USA & Canada, 1859
With cricket’s growing footprint, a global governing body was needed, and the International Cricket Council (ICC) was formed. Originally founded as the Imperial Cricket Conference by England, Australia & South Africa, it came into existence exactly a century ago on 15th June, 1909. It was renamed the International Cricket Conference in 1965, and took up its current name in 1989.
The game has gained huge popularity over these 100 years, and today ICC’s headquarters have moved away from England to Dubai, highlighting the widespread impact that other nations have had on cricket. Today, over a 100 nations (that’s half the world by nation-count, and probably half the world even by population count) play the sport, and the popularity is growing. That’s cricket’s impact for you – 5 great centuries, and getting better!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
So far so good!
© Shailesh Nigam, Varun Khanna (for respective articles)
The T20 Worldcup tournament moves to phase two today. The first phase was largely to accommodate upcoming nations, to allow them to show what they are made of and stake their claims to be amongst the elite. These preliminary rounds are bound to throw some surprises and this time there was no exception. Netherlands almost created an upset but England and Pakistan proved too good to succumb. Bangladesh however, wasn't so lucky and allowed Ireland to sneak through to next round. Australia may want to consider themselves unlucky, but they really didn't have enough fire power to even cross the first hurdle. The fact that they were in the pool of death didn't help either.
For India, the situation is so far so good. Two matches, two wins and Aussies are back home. They've found a suitable replacement for Viru in the top order and Zak has had a good outing yesterday. The only worry is that the team hasn't been tested fully yet. Wonder, how they will handle a 30 for 3 in five or 60 for 6 in eight! They are yet to face and survive the bowling from Murlis, Ajanthas and Daniels of the world and they are yet to face Gayles, Jayasuriyas, AB Deviliers and Mccullams fire with the bat. Six batsmen and 5 specialist bowlers seems to be their mantra till now. Dhoni clearly feels that the regular bowlers are a necessity in this tournament, otherwise there is no reason not to go with 7 batsmen in what is considered to be an out and out batsman's game.
Another dirt of concern surrounding Indian team is this whole Sehwag issue. I think it was necessary to take Viru to London even if his injury was known. At that time Indian team didn't have any option at the top. Plan A - Search for someone to replace him in the warm-up games and if replacement is found, send Viru back to bring in his replacement (as allowed by ICC rules). Plan B - If a suitable replacement could not be found then retain Sehwag, after all even a 60%-70% of Viru is good enought to demolish opposition mentally if not on the the field. Now that they have successfully experimented with Rohit at the top, Indians can send him back and get a replacement. Mission accomplished!!! Well done!!! Wonder what is the fuss about!!! The Indian Media should either back out or support the Indian team in the testing times ahead. Enough damage has been done in garb of "Indian fans need to know...".
India, Srilanka, South Africa and New Zealand appear to be the four well rounded teams for now. While Pakistan, West Indies and England will have to lift their game several notches if they want to harbour any thoughts to reach the semis. Ireland, should just feel happy to be enjoying company of these teams and make the best of three more matches they are getting to play. All the games in Super eight guarantee entertainment, but the T20 format also guarantees uncertainties. One only hopes and prays that the best team wins!
Varun Khanna
The T20 Worldcup tournament moves to phase two today. The first phase was largely to accommodate upcoming nations, to allow them to show what they are made of and stake their claims to be amongst the elite. These preliminary rounds are bound to throw some surprises and this time there was no exception. Netherlands almost created an upset but England and Pakistan proved too good to succumb. Bangladesh however, wasn't so lucky and allowed Ireland to sneak through to next round. Australia may want to consider themselves unlucky, but they really didn't have enough fire power to even cross the first hurdle. The fact that they were in the pool of death didn't help either.
For India, the situation is so far so good. Two matches, two wins and Aussies are back home. They've found a suitable replacement for Viru in the top order and Zak has had a good outing yesterday. The only worry is that the team hasn't been tested fully yet. Wonder, how they will handle a 30 for 3 in five or 60 for 6 in eight! They are yet to face and survive the bowling from Murlis, Ajanthas and Daniels of the world and they are yet to face Gayles, Jayasuriyas, AB Deviliers and Mccullams fire with the bat. Six batsmen and 5 specialist bowlers seems to be their mantra till now. Dhoni clearly feels that the regular bowlers are a necessity in this tournament, otherwise there is no reason not to go with 7 batsmen in what is considered to be an out and out batsman's game.
Another dirt of concern surrounding Indian team is this whole Sehwag issue. I think it was necessary to take Viru to London even if his injury was known. At that time Indian team didn't have any option at the top. Plan A - Search for someone to replace him in the warm-up games and if replacement is found, send Viru back to bring in his replacement (as allowed by ICC rules). Plan B - If a suitable replacement could not be found then retain Sehwag, after all even a 60%-70% of Viru is good enought to demolish opposition mentally if not on the the field. Now that they have successfully experimented with Rohit at the top, Indians can send him back and get a replacement. Mission accomplished!!! Well done!!! Wonder what is the fuss about!!! The Indian Media should either back out or support the Indian team in the testing times ahead. Enough damage has been done in garb of "Indian fans need to know...".
India, Srilanka, South Africa and New Zealand appear to be the four well rounded teams for now. While Pakistan, West Indies and England will have to lift their game several notches if they want to harbour any thoughts to reach the semis. Ireland, should just feel happy to be enjoying company of these teams and make the best of three more matches they are getting to play. All the games in Super eight guarantee entertainment, but the T20 format also guarantees uncertainties. One only hopes and prays that the best team wins!
Varun Khanna
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Dutch courage humbles the English in their own backyard
© Shailesh Nigam, Varun Khanna (for respective articles)
Dutch courage – what is it exactly? The term has its origins in naval warfare. In the old days, the Dutch navy was feared by all other navies because of the courage it demonstrated in fighting a sea battle. This was especially true during the Anglo-Dutch wars of the 17th & 18th centuries, when Netherlands & Britain were bitter rivals, and the Dutch were particularly dreaded by the British navy, and the Dutch East India Company was forever taking on the British East India Company in atrociously daring attacks. It was rationalized that such an attack could only be undertaken by a drunk man, who was not scared of anything at all. And thus, the phrase Dutch courage came into existence as a slang for courage gained from alcoholic intoxication.
Well yesterday, the Dutch proved once again that they have absolutely no fear of how strong the opposition may be, and especially Britain needs to be extremely wary when facing them. Were the Dutch cricketers drunk before the match or not, I do not know. What I can safely say is that they would definitely by drunk on the success of beating England, and Pakistan, who are next in their line, must be a worried lot.
Like Varun had written yesterday, predicting a winner in Twenty20 match is not an easy task. It is akin to predicting the future. There is only one problem though… the difficult aspect about predicting the future is that… uhm, it’s pretty difficult to predict. And as was demonstrated yesterday, this holds equally true for cricket. Or, at least, Twenty20 cricket.
Well, the tournament has begun with a huge upset, and that is the beauty of this game. One can never say who will win on a given day. Though, I also notice a trend thus far – most winners in practice matches and in the opener too are teams batting second. So, maybe, just after the toss, we can predict a winner most of the times. Hope Dhoni notices this too, and wins all tosses for India… starting with the one today, or we might witness yet another upset.
Dutch courage – what is it exactly? The term has its origins in naval warfare. In the old days, the Dutch navy was feared by all other navies because of the courage it demonstrated in fighting a sea battle. This was especially true during the Anglo-Dutch wars of the 17th & 18th centuries, when Netherlands & Britain were bitter rivals, and the Dutch were particularly dreaded by the British navy, and the Dutch East India Company was forever taking on the British East India Company in atrociously daring attacks. It was rationalized that such an attack could only be undertaken by a drunk man, who was not scared of anything at all. And thus, the phrase Dutch courage came into existence as a slang for courage gained from alcoholic intoxication.
Well yesterday, the Dutch proved once again that they have absolutely no fear of how strong the opposition may be, and especially Britain needs to be extremely wary when facing them. Were the Dutch cricketers drunk before the match or not, I do not know. What I can safely say is that they would definitely by drunk on the success of beating England, and Pakistan, who are next in their line, must be a worried lot.
Like Varun had written yesterday, predicting a winner in Twenty20 match is not an easy task. It is akin to predicting the future. There is only one problem though… the difficult aspect about predicting the future is that… uhm, it’s pretty difficult to predict. And as was demonstrated yesterday, this holds equally true for cricket. Or, at least, Twenty20 cricket.
Well, the tournament has begun with a huge upset, and that is the beauty of this game. One can never say who will win on a given day. Though, I also notice a trend thus far – most winners in practice matches and in the opener too are teams batting second. So, maybe, just after the toss, we can predict a winner most of the times. Hope Dhoni notices this too, and wins all tosses for India… starting with the one today, or we might witness yet another upset.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Let the Biggest Chhadi Cricket begin...
© Shailesh Nigam, Varun Khanna (for respective articles)
If the ODI was termed as Pyjama Cricket, Chhadhi cricket seems to be an appropriate title for the T20 format. And the biggest tournament to celebrate this form of cricket begins today at the mecca of cricket...
Conventionally, at the start of any tournament of this stature, in any sport, there are bound to be a few favourites. Specially in a team sport, there is a fair and close to accurate prediction of who will emerge the champion. The basis of the prediction being - quality of players, their form, recent results and playing conditions. However, if one was to look at T20 history (whatever little we have), whether in previous worldcup or the two IPLs, the champions were hardly a team which fulfilled the above criteria. India started as underdogs in the WC in South Africa, who thought Rajasthan Royals will bring glory in IPL1... Deccan Chargers?? Need I say more...
The argument is that, well there is indeed some trend... unlikeliest team is likely to win. Now if an unlikely team is likely, then it is not a unlikely team! Isn't it? Or have I managed to confuse you...?
But the fact of the matter is that in a game of cricket which is as short in length as chhaddi, one really can't predict. One player out of 22 on field in a given match can win (or for that matter loose) a match for you. He doesn't necessarily be in the best of form lately nor does he have to be a star in his own right (ask Joginder Sharma). So if anyone claims to predict the winner accurately, he/she may do it at his/her own peril. No doubt that one would want India to win, but without a prediction.
Various aspects of this shorter version of the game are hugely debated. A purists may feel that this is not cricket at all and that the rigour and persistence of a test match is the real test of supremacy. The others may feel the shorter version is more enjoyable, guarantees a result and respects time. All arguments and the counters thereof are accepted and respected, to each his own! But the amazing thing is that Cricket has always existed in multiple forms. The game of bat and ball, where runs are scored and wickets fall, exists in much more varied forms than probably any other sport. Consider this...
A toddler grows a little, barely having learnt to walk, is gifted a plastic bat and a plastic ball (which makes more sound than bounce). His loving father hands over the bat to the kid and rolls the ball towards him on the ground. Almost instinctively, the little one tries to hit it with the bat, preventing the ball to hit an invisible wicket behind him. At times the ball does roll behind him and a father smiles silently within for having taken a wicket. It is cricket in one form.
Then, once this kid gets a little older, he plays with the bouncy rubber ball and make shift wooden bat... probably the tool used for washing clothes in good old days. The ball too, spins like a serpent with a tiny tweak of fingers while bowling underarm. This cricket is played on terraces without a team. You contest alone, score your individual runs trying to beat four others. Basic rule is same, you stop batting once you are out... although the manner in which you can get out are far too many than the conventional cricket. One tip and one hand catch is out, you hit the ball outside the terrace is out, the ball hits you three times on your leg is out and many more. This is another form of cricket for you.
Then there is one form of cricket which we played much to the annoyance of our Mothers. Cricket was played inside your bedroom or drawing room, usually when it was raining outside, ironically keeping your thirst for cricket unquenched, or in summer vacations when it was too hot for you to step outside. You hit the bed and it is four, but if you hit the glass table you are out. You hit the TV and you stop playing. There you go... that was cricket, wasn't it?
Of course you would remember your school cricket, which in itself was played under various formats. Those games in the recess for which you happily skipped your meal, or the one played in the 'games' period. Format & rules adjusted for time, number of players, availability of a bat... so and so forth.
Around this time, you get inducted to a leather ball and other equipment which becomes necessary with it. There is a giant leap in the way you start playing now. The format now is more of T20 that we see played internationally. 20-25 overs matches, players from batting side doing the umpiring, the just-unjust decisions and the scoring fiascoes. This format is usually same (or rather similar) unless you go on to play professionally with a club, state, country etc. The corporate tournaments also follow the same format...
One cannot imagine any other sport followed in so many different formats. The most popular sport in the world today is football (or soccer as it is called in some parts) and the only variations that are possible in the game is adjustment of duration and number of players... that's it! Now how's that!
Today, as another chapter in the newest form of international cricket is added, I feel great to be a proud follower of this game, in each of it's shade. The nuances attached with the rules, conflicts associated with use and lack of technology, the differences acceptability of formats at top level and all those controversies which are integral part of this game, which invokes nothing but passion.
Long live Cricket!!! I love this game!!! And may the best team win!!!
Varun Khanna
If the ODI was termed as Pyjama Cricket, Chhadhi cricket seems to be an appropriate title for the T20 format. And the biggest tournament to celebrate this form of cricket begins today at the mecca of cricket...
Conventionally, at the start of any tournament of this stature, in any sport, there are bound to be a few favourites. Specially in a team sport, there is a fair and close to accurate prediction of who will emerge the champion. The basis of the prediction being - quality of players, their form, recent results and playing conditions. However, if one was to look at T20 history (whatever little we have), whether in previous worldcup or the two IPLs, the champions were hardly a team which fulfilled the above criteria. India started as underdogs in the WC in South Africa, who thought Rajasthan Royals will bring glory in IPL1... Deccan Chargers?? Need I say more...
The argument is that, well there is indeed some trend... unlikeliest team is likely to win. Now if an unlikely team is likely, then it is not a unlikely team! Isn't it? Or have I managed to confuse you...?
But the fact of the matter is that in a game of cricket which is as short in length as chhaddi, one really can't predict. One player out of 22 on field in a given match can win (or for that matter loose) a match for you. He doesn't necessarily be in the best of form lately nor does he have to be a star in his own right (ask Joginder Sharma). So if anyone claims to predict the winner accurately, he/she may do it at his/her own peril. No doubt that one would want India to win, but without a prediction.
Various aspects of this shorter version of the game are hugely debated. A purists may feel that this is not cricket at all and that the rigour and persistence of a test match is the real test of supremacy. The others may feel the shorter version is more enjoyable, guarantees a result and respects time. All arguments and the counters thereof are accepted and respected, to each his own! But the amazing thing is that Cricket has always existed in multiple forms. The game of bat and ball, where runs are scored and wickets fall, exists in much more varied forms than probably any other sport. Consider this...
A toddler grows a little, barely having learnt to walk, is gifted a plastic bat and a plastic ball (which makes more sound than bounce). His loving father hands over the bat to the kid and rolls the ball towards him on the ground. Almost instinctively, the little one tries to hit it with the bat, preventing the ball to hit an invisible wicket behind him. At times the ball does roll behind him and a father smiles silently within for having taken a wicket. It is cricket in one form.
Then, once this kid gets a little older, he plays with the bouncy rubber ball and make shift wooden bat... probably the tool used for washing clothes in good old days. The ball too, spins like a serpent with a tiny tweak of fingers while bowling underarm. This cricket is played on terraces without a team. You contest alone, score your individual runs trying to beat four others. Basic rule is same, you stop batting once you are out... although the manner in which you can get out are far too many than the conventional cricket. One tip and one hand catch is out, you hit the ball outside the terrace is out, the ball hits you three times on your leg is out and many more. This is another form of cricket for you.
Then there is one form of cricket which we played much to the annoyance of our Mothers. Cricket was played inside your bedroom or drawing room, usually when it was raining outside, ironically keeping your thirst for cricket unquenched, or in summer vacations when it was too hot for you to step outside. You hit the bed and it is four, but if you hit the glass table you are out. You hit the TV and you stop playing. There you go... that was cricket, wasn't it?
Of course you would remember your school cricket, which in itself was played under various formats. Those games in the recess for which you happily skipped your meal, or the one played in the 'games' period. Format & rules adjusted for time, number of players, availability of a bat... so and so forth.
Around this time, you get inducted to a leather ball and other equipment which becomes necessary with it. There is a giant leap in the way you start playing now. The format now is more of T20 that we see played internationally. 20-25 overs matches, players from batting side doing the umpiring, the just-unjust decisions and the scoring fiascoes. This format is usually same (or rather similar) unless you go on to play professionally with a club, state, country etc. The corporate tournaments also follow the same format...
One cannot imagine any other sport followed in so many different formats. The most popular sport in the world today is football (or soccer as it is called in some parts) and the only variations that are possible in the game is adjustment of duration and number of players... that's it! Now how's that!
Today, as another chapter in the newest form of international cricket is added, I feel great to be a proud follower of this game, in each of it's shade. The nuances attached with the rules, conflicts associated with use and lack of technology, the differences acceptability of formats at top level and all those controversies which are integral part of this game, which invokes nothing but passion.
Long live Cricket!!! I love this game!!! And may the best team win!!!
Varun Khanna
Thursday, June 4, 2009
India demolish Pakistan in a World Cup yet again
Yawn! Yawn!
So, what’s new guys? History repeats itself, and every single time, whenever India & Pakistan clash in a world cup cricket tournament. For the past 34 years, ever since the very first World Cup, Pakistan has never been able to beat us, and I am sure they will not be terribly happy about this at all. Pakistanis would wonder, who says cricket is a great leveler? As for us Indians, it is just a great reveler.
Even though this was a warm-up match, nothing associated with this game would suggest so. The tickets for the entire stadium were sold out 2 days in advance. The crowds donning their country colours, cheering and jeering with mad frenzy on every boundary & wicket, made it seem like the final before even the first ball is bowled in the actual tournament. And the intensity with which Pakistan batted in the first inning, surpassed by India in the second inning, hinted that this was not just a friendly warm-up match, but a battle which both sides wanted to win under any circumstances. So much so that when Harbhajan dropped a catch early on, there was genuine sorrow being seen on his face and his compatriots, and the Indians amongst the crowds were groaning and the Pakistanis celebrating. The whole atmosphere was electric to an extent that even the final would be proud of.
With the kind of response this match generated, guess England would want to become the neutral venue for all Indo-Pak matches – it’ll ensure capacity crowds and great television earnings in a country which fathered this great game, but where football is pushing this into the background. But then which country won’t like to play host to an Indo-Pak game? The rivalry has become bigger than the Ashes, and I think it is time that this also is given a commemorative name – how about “Clashes”? (…No pun intended).
158/6 that Pakistan scored, after winning the toss and electing to bat first, was by all means a decent score, and one that should not have been too difficult to defend. At least, one would have assumed that the match would have been a cliff-hanger, going to the last over if not the last ball, before either side emerged victorious. The bowlers were not entirely effective, and India had to employ 7 of them. The fact that 5 of them did snare a wicket each and kept giving crucial breaks meant that India were able to stop Pakistan at a chase-able, under 8 target. And with 158 on the board, even Pakistan would not have been too unhappy going in to bowl in the 2nd innings.
When Gautam Gambhir & Rohit Sharma walked out to open the Indian innings, many would have felt Sehwag’s absence, who is out because of injury. However, the two openers were out on a mission and ensured that there were no twists in the tale, and went on to score at will, marauding the Pakistanis. Incidentally, Pakistan too employed 7 bowlers, but only 1 of them could get the sole wicket to fall – Rohit Sharma who scored a brilliant 80 off 53 balls. When he departed, the score stood at 140/1 with 4 overs still to go to chase the balance 18 runs. Undoubtedly, Pakistan’s fate was already sealed. Gambir & Dhoni completed the formalities of hammering in the last nail in Pakistan’s coffin in the very next over, and India romped home in front of a 23,000-capacity crowd in style, with 9 wickets to spare.
For us Indians, the final has been played, even before the first ball being bowled in the actual tournament, and India has once again crushed Pakistan on the world stage to emerge victorious. Whatever happens hereon in the tournament is not so very relevant.
As I finish writing this, a thought has just drifted into my mind - why can’t we settle all disputes between India and Pakistan peacefully through a cricket match once and for all? Condition being, it is played at a world cup tournament.
So, what’s new guys? History repeats itself, and every single time, whenever India & Pakistan clash in a world cup cricket tournament. For the past 34 years, ever since the very first World Cup, Pakistan has never been able to beat us, and I am sure they will not be terribly happy about this at all. Pakistanis would wonder, who says cricket is a great leveler? As for us Indians, it is just a great reveler.
Even though this was a warm-up match, nothing associated with this game would suggest so. The tickets for the entire stadium were sold out 2 days in advance. The crowds donning their country colours, cheering and jeering with mad frenzy on every boundary & wicket, made it seem like the final before even the first ball is bowled in the actual tournament. And the intensity with which Pakistan batted in the first inning, surpassed by India in the second inning, hinted that this was not just a friendly warm-up match, but a battle which both sides wanted to win under any circumstances. So much so that when Harbhajan dropped a catch early on, there was genuine sorrow being seen on his face and his compatriots, and the Indians amongst the crowds were groaning and the Pakistanis celebrating. The whole atmosphere was electric to an extent that even the final would be proud of.
With the kind of response this match generated, guess England would want to become the neutral venue for all Indo-Pak matches – it’ll ensure capacity crowds and great television earnings in a country which fathered this great game, but where football is pushing this into the background. But then which country won’t like to play host to an Indo-Pak game? The rivalry has become bigger than the Ashes, and I think it is time that this also is given a commemorative name – how about “Clashes”? (…No pun intended).
158/6 that Pakistan scored, after winning the toss and electing to bat first, was by all means a decent score, and one that should not have been too difficult to defend. At least, one would have assumed that the match would have been a cliff-hanger, going to the last over if not the last ball, before either side emerged victorious. The bowlers were not entirely effective, and India had to employ 7 of them. The fact that 5 of them did snare a wicket each and kept giving crucial breaks meant that India were able to stop Pakistan at a chase-able, under 8 target. And with 158 on the board, even Pakistan would not have been too unhappy going in to bowl in the 2nd innings.
When Gautam Gambhir & Rohit Sharma walked out to open the Indian innings, many would have felt Sehwag’s absence, who is out because of injury. However, the two openers were out on a mission and ensured that there were no twists in the tale, and went on to score at will, marauding the Pakistanis. Incidentally, Pakistan too employed 7 bowlers, but only 1 of them could get the sole wicket to fall – Rohit Sharma who scored a brilliant 80 off 53 balls. When he departed, the score stood at 140/1 with 4 overs still to go to chase the balance 18 runs. Undoubtedly, Pakistan’s fate was already sealed. Gambir & Dhoni completed the formalities of hammering in the last nail in Pakistan’s coffin in the very next over, and India romped home in front of a 23,000-capacity crowd in style, with 9 wickets to spare.
For us Indians, the final has been played, even before the first ball being bowled in the actual tournament, and India has once again crushed Pakistan on the world stage to emerge victorious. Whatever happens hereon in the tournament is not so very relevant.
As I finish writing this, a thought has just drifted into my mind - why can’t we settle all disputes between India and Pakistan peacefully through a cricket match once and for all? Condition being, it is played at a world cup tournament.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Welcome aboard!!!
Hi Varun,
Welcome aboard mate, on what promises to be a journey full of excitement.
As the saying goes, "two is always better than one". And so, here we go hand in hand writing about a common passion... cricket, what else?
I have also added a blidget (now, what's that?) on the site. For the uninitiated, a blidget (blog + widget) is a blog turned into a widget. Which means that others can now showcase this blog onto their website or blog, simply by adding this widget through a simple download. Link is: http://www.widgetbox.com/widget/cricketcetera.
And yes, before I forget, I've also added a new poll, for which votes are invited - "Who do you think will win the ICC World Twenty20 2009 Championship?" Just go to the poll section & check the team you think will win, and finally we'll see if together we got it right.
I've also added an automated mailing list of friends who will automatically get an e-mail whenever a blog is added here. All the usual suspects are on it... so no missing a blog ever! Cool, eh?
The action is hotting up in this stadium. Hopefully, together we will team up to play an exciting inning that everyone will enjoy!
Welcome aboard mate, on what promises to be a journey full of excitement.
As the saying goes, "two is always better than one". And so, here we go hand in hand writing about a common passion... cricket, what else?
I have also added a blidget (now, what's that?) on the site. For the uninitiated, a blidget (blog + widget) is a blog turned into a widget. Which means that others can now showcase this blog onto their website or blog, simply by adding this widget through a simple download. Link is: http://www.widgetbox.com/widget/cricketcetera.
And yes, before I forget, I've also added a new poll, for which votes are invited - "Who do you think will win the ICC World Twenty20 2009 Championship?" Just go to the poll section & check the team you think will win, and finally we'll see if together we got it right.
I've also added an automated mailing list of friends who will automatically get an e-mail whenever a blog is added here. All the usual suspects are on it... so no missing a blog ever! Cool, eh?
The action is hotting up in this stadium. Hopefully, together we will team up to play an exciting inning that everyone will enjoy!
Look Ma... I turned a co-blogger!!!
Another cricket lover on the net...
Slash, thanks for inviting me to contribute on this wonderful blog. Looking forward to sharing Cricket ecetera on... hmm... cricketcetera...
Cheers
Slash, thanks for inviting me to contribute on this wonderful blog. Looking forward to sharing Cricket ecetera on... hmm... cricketcetera...
Cheers
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