Congrats to ICC and B’desh CA for a T20 World Cup well organized and conducted

The 4th Edition of the Twenty20 World Cup tournament conducted by the International Cricket Council in Bangladesh which concludes today was without doubt a resounding success. Congratulations to the ICC and the Bangladesh Cricket Association the hosts. It was a job well done and executed. Recently when there was unrest in Bangladesh, talk had it that the tournament would run into rough weather and that it would have to be shifted from Bangladesh and played in some other country, with Sri Lanka being top of the list if it did not materialize in Bangladesh.

But when World Twenty20 time came around and all matches were played without any hiccups. It was a tournament executed to the satisfaction of all concerned. While everything should be admired and appreciated, the only sad notes were the one match suspensions slapped on skipper of South Africa Faf Du Plessis and Sri Lanka’s Dinesh Chandmal for slow over rates. Accepted that the suspension is an ICC Law. We have had reason to comment on this law many times before and to once again take it to task. Its a ridiculous.

The time lost is negligible

One can understand if the suspension is slapped for bowling more than an over short. What is one over and how long is the time lost? The time lost is negligible. What effect it has on the whole team if it is an important match, need not be reiterated, but to say that it upsets all strategy of the team, because the team without a captain is like a ship without a rudder.

The ICC must rethink this harsh rule and stop playing the role of spoil sport by removing the clause of the suspension and instead

increasing the fine if they have to and in the game’s name allow the captain or the individual to ply his wares. After all it is not only the captain who is to blame for the slow over rate, but also the team. So why be harsh only on the captain and bench him. Increase the fine on the team as well so that it will be a deterrent. Having said that we now move on to the tournament, the teams and their performances. It kept the interest alive because the semi-finalists were not known until the end of the rounds.

Performed extremely well

To all teams and to their credit it must be said that they performed extremely well, other than for England and Australia who on their showing disgraced themselves. Both countries came with big reputations, but were mediocre and not up to standard. Australia, after their resounding show in the Ashes series against England, where they whitewashed the Englishmen 5-nil and stacked with some of the players who played in that series led by George Bailey faltered badly. All rounder Shane Watson and David Warner were big disappointments.

Australia with their dash and daring have won several trophies and yet to win the World Cup Twenty20 trophy. They came to Bangladesh full of hopes, but disappointed all and sundry with their lackadaisical efforts. England led by Stuart Broad failed miserably. Other than for Alex Hale to whom went the credit of scoring the first century in the tournament, the rest of the batsmen were sadly off colour.

England must be regretting the axing of Kevin Pietersen. The axing of Pietersen had been roundly condemned. Had he been in the team he sure would have changed their fortunes with his daring batting.

Herath had Kiwis in a flat spin - sub head

After bundling out the strong Sri Lankan batting line-up for a paltry 119, it was sheer bad, reckless and irresponsible batting by New Zealand that deprived them of a semi-final berth. Two Kiwis who should be marinated and roasted are Captain Brendon McCullum and opening batsman Martin Guptil. Both committed hara kiri.

For a captain the irresponsible shot that McCullum played was appalling. He was like a cat on a hot tin roof from the time he took strike. He did a sad dance down the wicket to loft Herath missed and was stumped and that signaled the beginning of the end and their attempt for a semi-final berth. Along with Martin Guptil who ran wildly like a hound when there was no run, McCullum should be lined up when he gets back to Kiwiland and given six of the best.

With his experience and the ability to hit any attack to shreds, had McCullum batted with responsibility it would have rubbed on the others and the Kiwis would have played in the semis.

Left-arm spinner Rangana Herath who was tossed in for Ajantha Mendis enjoyed the best figures in his Twenty20 career and which figures needs reiterating - 3.3- 2- 3-5. It was clever and mesmerizing spin that flattened the Kiwis for 60 leaving the Lankans victorious by 59 runs and a semi berth that did not look likely when they were bundled out for 119.

Words of wisdom from Hashimdeen

Former Sri Lanka and national football captain, a household name in an era when the country’s football was riding the high horse Subani Hashimdeen has written words of wisdom in a Sunday newspaper.

As for starters lamenting the sad state of affairs prevailing in the game today, Hashimdeen is a firm believer that an Interim Committee comprising those who have kicked a ball and with the qualifications to deliver be appointed for a short time. Hashimdeen has written a very knowledgeable and comprehensive article putting forward good reasons for the improvement of the game that has nosedived in recent times. He has cited the shame that was the South Asia Federation Games in Nepal where Sri Lanka were disgraced being beaten by little known Maldives by cricket like figures 10.

Hashimdeen knows what he is talking about having played for the country and captaining it when the game was on a high and had footballers of great competence and who were naturals.

Knows what he is talking about

Having been in the game as a player, administrator and coach, Hashimdeen knows what he is taking about and laments the sharp drop in standards. He says talent is there and the game can regain its former glory if men of competence, like in that former golden era when men of standing who earned respect and were honest and dedicated held office and delivered. Incidentally when Sri Lanka got stuffed by 10 goals by Maldives which shamed the country, a big hue and cry was made and a committee of illustrious people were appointed to probe the debacle, but where and what were the results of that probe?

Hashimdeen, we are told, had previously sent his reports on how the game and the administration could be improved and brought to its former glory. But sadly these reports have fallen on blind eyes and deaf ears. Incidentally Subani Hashimdeen was one of the best right extremes produced by the country. It was a sight to behold when he had the ball at his feet and the magic he weaved with it to beat defenders, goalkeepers and send the ball crashing into the net.

Incidentally Subani’s goal keeping brother was as safe as the Bank of England. His anticipation, amazing diving to stop certain goals was awesome and I can vouch for it because I did the football rounds in ‘The Times of Ceylon’ and what goal keeping it was. He was tagged the best goal keeper in Asia. Subani has continued to tell how the game could be helped, developed and brought to its former glory. It is hoped that those who matter will at least now remove their tinted glasses and see reason.

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