tag:blogs.cricinfo.com,2008:/wc_monitor/125 2007-04-27T15:24:19Z Movable Type 3.34 tag:blogs.cricinfo.com,2007:/wc_monitor//125.4051 2007-04-27T15:16:30Z 2007-04-27T15:24:19Z

With the World Cup in his sight, Ponting waits for Jayawardene © AFP

Fuel was added to the pre-match tension between the World Cup finalists sides when Australian captain Ricky Ponting was kept waiting for more than an hour by his Sri Lankan counterpart Mahela Jayawardene for a promotional photoshoot on the beach at St Lucia. Ponting had to delay his departure from St Lucia to Barbados to make the shoot possible, and was watched by the media, his displeasure quite obvious. The Sydney Morning Herald reported the subsequent meeting of the captains, and Ponting made his displeasure known when he asked Jayawardene, “ a bit late are you?”. Jayawardene blamed a communication gap for the delay. The rival captains were all smiles in the eventual photoshoot, holding the trophy together. This incident is bound to motivate the Australians even further, the relationship between the two sides not being very friendly. The resting of veterans Chaminda Vaas and Muttiah Muralitharan for an inconsequential Super Eights match on April 16 was met with strong disapproval from the Australian camp with Ponting saying that the move could go against them in the final. But this was met with a strong response from Sri Lanka coach and Ponting's former team mate Tom Moody saying that the composition of his team was not the concern of Australia. He also pointed out that Australia had done the same, resting some of its main players for the Chappell- Hadlee series in New Zealand held in February. Australia will be looking to make sure that there is no repeat of the World Cup in 1996, which Sri Lanka won convincingly. This being strike bowler Glenn McGrath's last World Cup, his team is keen to give him and out-going coach John Buchanan a parting gift. On the Sri Lankan side too there are a few - notably Sanath Jayasuriya - for whom this would their final World Cup and the side will be determined to see them off an a fitting note. Overall, it promises to be one humdinger of a contest. ]]> tag:blogs.cricinfo.com,2007:/wc_monitor//125.4050 2007-04-27T11:25:06Z 2007-04-27T11:48:02Z

Nishi Narayanan

Jayasuriya, a 'master blaster like no other' © AFP

In the Super Eights, in one of the most closely-contested matches of the tournament, Sri Lanka had defeated England by two runs, putting paid to their hopes of making it to the semis. One might have thought that would be an issue of sour grapes but seeing the traditional enemy, Australia, ousted seems to have exerted a greater pull on Englishmen. Most of them are expected to root for the Sri Lankans in Saturday’s final against the Aussies. Dominick Chilcott, the British high commissioner in Colombo, is certainly one. According to AFP, shedding any pretence of diplomatic neutrality the British envoy led the high commission staff in signing greetings to Mahela Jayawardene and his team-mates ahead of Saturday's game in Barbados. “The British High Commission wish the Sri Lankan cricket team the best of luck in Saturday's cricket World Cup final," the mission said in a statement signed by all its staff."We're hoping for a repeat of the 1996 World Cup final result. Come on you Sri Lankan Lions. Let's hear you roar,” the message said. Chilcott, dressed in the Sri Lankan team's blue and yellow T-shirt, and 52 staff members were seen gesturing animatedly in support of the Sri Lankan team. Meanwhile, the government and businesses in Sri Lanka are capitalising on the feel-good factor resulting from the national team’s progress to the final. The country’s official tourism slogan is "a land like no other", and adding gloss to it traditional masks, balloons and placards have become ubiquitous not only in Colombo but in remote hamlets as well describing bleached-haired Lasith Malinga as a "lad like no other" and Sanath Jayasuriya a "master blaster like no other". Backing the World Cup has also already made good business sense for local companies. The winning captain at Saturday's showdown will walk away with more than two million dollars in prize money and the runner-up will pocket a million dollars. In addition to the prize money other payments associated with the tournament will amount to about 10 million dollars. If all else fails, the fat tournament cheque should revitalise Sri Lanka's sagging rupee, which has lost about five percent of its value against the dollar in the past year. ]]> tag:blogs.cricinfo.com,2007:/wc_monitor//125.4043 2007-04-26T10:46:52Z 2007-04-26T10:47:38Z

Sanath Jayasuriya’s family is set to join him in Bridgetown for Saturday's final with Australia. Jayasuriya's wife Sandra and three young children were due to leave for London en route to Barbados, a family friend told AFP. Jayasuriya, who played...

Sanath Jayasuriya’s family is set to join him in Bridgetown for Saturday's final with Australia. Jayasuriya's wife Sandra and three young children were due to leave for London en route to Barbados, a family friend told AFP. Jayasuriya, who played a stellar role in Sri Lanka’s World Cup triumph in 1996, failed in the semi-final win over New Zealand. One of the world's most destructive batsmen on his day, Jayasuriya has hit centuries against Bangladesh and host West Indies in the current tournament. Mahinda Rajapakse, Sri Lanka's President, also made a previously unscheduled visit to Barbados on Thursday to witness his country play Australia in the finals. tag:blogs.cricinfo.com,2007:/wc_monitor//125.4041 2007-04-26T09:37:10Z 2007-04-26T10:05:28Z

Nishi Narayanan

A lad like no other from a land like no other. Visit Sri Lanka for more information © AFP

Sri Lanka's tourism authorities are using the World Cup to attract visitors to the country. They are using 30 students at Caribbean venues to hold placards, traditional masks and balloons to catch the attention of television cameras. Advertising is strictly limited to official ICC sponsors but tourism officials have found ways to circumvent the restrictions. "The placards carry various slogans all centered around our promotional theme 'Sri Lanka, a land like no other'," Sri Lanka Tourism Chairman Renton de Alwis told AFP. A placard showing Lasith Malinga's bleached-blond hairdo with the legend "a lad like no other" is being placed next to Sri Lankan masks and it is hoped that spectators or TV viewers reading the placard will associate it with the Sri Lanka tourism tag line. "The exposure we have had during the World Cup is simply priceless for the country's image. The team's success has generated enormous awareness about the country. It's a shot in the arm for us," said Alwis. "Hopefully, our cheer squads and creative visual material will attract more cricket fans to Sri Lanka when England tours the island in October." Sri Lanka's tourism has suffered badly since December 2005 when the island saw an escalation in violence between Tamil Tigers and the goverment. In the three months to March this year, some 134,600 foreign tourists visited the island, a 15.6 percent drop over the same period in 2006, according to official figures. March was the worst, with authorities reporting just 35,031 visitors, a 36.0 percent drop over the same month a year earlier. ]]> tag:blogs.cricinfo.com,2007:/wc_monitor//125.4040 2007-04-26T09:18:42Z 2007-04-26T09:36:44Z

Nishi Narayanan

Australian PM John Howard is certain Australia will win the World Cup © Getty Images

Australian Prime Minister John Howard will be an amazed man if Australia don't win the World Cup. "This is an incredibly consistent and strong Australian team and the ease in which we defeated South Africa a few hours ago is a very good omen," Howard told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Howard is known to be a huge fan of the game and can be seen more often than not at the Sydney Cricket Ground for Australia's home Tests. He said that Ricky Ponting, the Australian captain, was sure to tell his players not to be complacent. "That's one of the reasons why he keeps winning: he never takes things for granted and nobody should do that in sport or indeed in anything else," he said with a fearful finality.]]> tag:blogs.cricinfo.com,2007:/wc_monitor//125.4031 2007-04-25T10:34:25Z 2007-04-25T10:41:26Z

The Ireland players, on returning home from the World Cup, showed their humility by turning down a chance for an open-top bus ride through the city as a heroes welcome. The reason? Because they felt they didn’t deserve a welcome...

Belfast Telegraph reported. It was a pleasant turn of events for a team full of amateurs which set off for the West Indies with pre-set plans, all of which had to be shelved. On such member of the touring party, coach Adrian Birrell, planned a family holiday to Mexico on the blissful assumption that his side wouldn’t get past the group stages. Was he complaining? Perish the thought… "I'm glad I'm here for this homecoming,” exclaimed Birrell. “For me it is the pinnacle of my coaching career. Nothing has matched up to this. I'm very grateful to the players and very satisfied in the way we played cricket in the West Indies.” ]]> tag:blogs.cricinfo.com,2007:/wc_monitor//125.4027 2007-04-24T11:46:56Z 2007-04-24T13:38:00Z

Sri Lanka's Tamil Tigers have said there might be a ceasefire from their side during the duration of the team's semi-final against New Zealand in Jamaica. "There may not be any attacks tonight because we are also watching the match,"...

Nishi Narayanan Sri Lanka's Tamil Tigers have said there might be a ceasefire from their side during the duration of the team's semi-final against New Zealand in Jamaica. "There may not be any attacks tonight because we are also watching the match," Tiger spokesman Rasiah Ilanthiriyan, told AFP. By calling a ceasefire the Tigers are imitating the spirit of ancient Greece where all the states called a truce every four years during the Olympics. The Sri Lanka government has readjusted official functions so that the match can be watched. The government's spokesman on defence, Keheliya Rambukwella, was to host a dinner reception Tuesday, but fearing a low turnout he arranged for a widescreen TV to show the match. tag:blogs.cricinfo.com,2007:/wc_monitor//125.4024 2007-04-24T09:33:02Z 2007-04-24T09:37:58Z

If one ever needed confirmation that the World Cup is a massive deal in the subcontinent, here is one such example. Astrologers in Sri Lanka have said that a Sri Lankan win in the semi-final will be determined based on...

If one ever needed confirmation that the World Cup is a massive deal in the subcontinent, here is one such example. Astrologers in Sri Lanka have said that a Sri Lankan win in the semi-final will be determined based on the exact time the cricketers leave their hotel, AFP reports. In addition, the time the batsmen enter the crease and their morning schedule are also factors. There’s one small problem though. Nobody knows exactly when they’re scheduled to leave, and the astrologers are understandably desperate. "They will definitely win if they depart at an astrologically right time," said Arisen Ahubudu, known for deciding lucky code names for military operations. According to Priyantha Ratnayake, another astrologer, the planets are smiling on Sanath Jayasuriya. “Sanath Jayasuriya's stars are placed on a winning position and his luck should see Sri Lanka through," he said. If Sri Lanka fail, blame it on the stars. tag:blogs.cricinfo.com,2007:/wc_monitor//125.4018 2007-04-23T17:03:59Z 2007-04-23T17:06:00Z

Oh dear. Just when the World Cup organisation didn’t seem capable of getting any worse... This time it was planes – there were delays at Grenada airport, and then there were further delays at Barbados. As Fox Sports’ Robert Craddock...

Oh dear. Just when the World Cup organisation didn’t seem capable of getting any worse... This time it was planes – there were delays at Grenada airport, and then there were further delays at Barbados. As Fox Sports’ Robert Craddock noted, it was “a shambolic day when it was better to be a suitcase than an international cricket star.” South Africa’s bags arrived two hours ahead of the team, while Australia’s luggage took 40 minutes to go directly from Grenada to St Lucia, as opposed to five hours for the squad, who were routed via Barbados. Tall players in particular suffered, with Matthew Hayden finding himself, unusually, cramped for room. One Sri Lanka player saw the brighter side, though: "The way we are going our first look at the ground will be on match morning - from about 6000 feet." Still, Sri Lanka and New Zealand will suffer the effects more than the others; their match starts on Tuesday, a day ahead of Australia’s clash with South Africa. The after-effects could be even more resounding. There were worries that the Caribbean would be unable to orchestrate the World Cup - and such chaos, allied to the previous difficulties, may mean the tournament doesn't return to these shores again. tag:blogs.cricinfo.com,2007:/wc_monitor//125.4008 2007-04-22T00:55:56Z 2007-04-22T01:01:40Z

Not all fans have been granted autographs as easy at this © Joseph Jones

Need an autograph? Its US$ 20 dollars. A photograph? That will set you back $100. Barbadian cricket legends are making fans, already paying hotel rates which have trebled during the World Cup, even angrier by charging for signing an autograph book or posing for pictures. The Cricket Legends of Barbados group, which includes the likes of Sir Garry Sobers, Charlie Griffith, Gordon Greenidge and Desmond Haynes, have been making public appearances trying to raise funds to help build a centre of excellence. "It's disgusting. I have to pay $100 for a photograph with Sobers who I have had adored since my childhood," said Surbeet Singh, who has come from Manchester , England. Heartbroken over India's first round exit and having to watch a meaningless Ireland-Bangladesh match instead last week, Singh went to the Barbados Business Club looking to get Sobers' autograph. "I was amazed. The tour has already cost me over $15,000." Journalists claim they have been asked to pay $1000 for an exclusive interview and little wonder Sobers was in the highest demand. Fans can also take a sunset cruise with the stars for $200. "It was a different kind of heartbreak to see the greatest of the greats, Sir Garry Sobers, at 73, and well looked after by life and his achievements, asking for $100 for every picture his fans wanted to click with him," complained the Daily Pioneer, an Indian newspaper. "He should have been thanking his young disciples for having loved him so intensely even 34 years after he retired from a game that has never been slim on heroes." Fans said it was not the same on other islands. "We had photographs with Sir Viv Richards in Antigua and he obliged everyone with autographs. It was only here in Barbados where we have had to pay," said Kassim Solly. "We even played beach cricket with some of them in Antigua." But Deighton Smith, chief executive of Cricket Legends of Barbados, justified the amounts being charged. "The legends have no problem with group photos during official ceremonies but lots of people want separate photographs and separate interviews which are not possible," Smith told AFP. "The basic aims [of the group] are two-fold. To create a professional atmosphere through which we can produce future legends and to build a centre of excellence through the funds," said Smith of the organisation launched in April last year. Smith said the Barbados legends realise the need for nurturing the talent which is in abundance in the Caribbean. "In the wake of West Indies' recent performances we have realised the importance of harnessing the talent and once the centre is built, hopefully by next year, we are optimistic we can produce future legends."]]> tag:blogs.cricinfo.com,2007:/wc_monitor//125.3982 2007-04-19T10:05:41Z 2007-04-19T23:36:53Z

Ireland have been rewarded for their World Cup exploits by an invitation to a reception at Parliament Buildings upon their return home. The joint invitation comes from the Democratic Unionist Party's Ian Paisley and Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness, who were...

Ireland have been rewarded for their World Cup exploits by an invitation to a reception at Parliament Buildings upon their return home. The joint invitation comes from the Democratic Unionist Party's Ian Paisley and Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness, who were once sworn enemies. "This is a real boost for grassroots cricket locally and a big encouragement for young people to take up the game," a very on-message Paisley wrote. McGuinness hinted at the party they could expect: "Irish teams and their supporters are world renowned for their willingness to celebrate sporting successes." Party on. Ireland's players ended their World Cup adventure by giving statements, fingerprints and DNA samples to Jamaican police investigating the death of Bob Woolmer. "These tests were carried out with a view to eliminating the Ireland squad from their enquiries," a team spokesman said. On the night Woolmer was murdered none of the Ireland squad was in the Pegasus Hotel in Jamaica. The players were celebrating St Patrick's Day and the victory over Pakistan in Ocho Rios, which is "some 50 miles away". tag:blogs.cricinfo.com,2007:/wc_monitor//125.3980 2007-04-19T09:20:14Z 2007-04-19T09:30:40Z

South African umpire Rudi Koertzen will equal the world-record set by David Shepherd of officiating 172 ODIs when he stands in at the West Indies-Bangladesh Super Eights match in Barbados on April 19. In fact, Koertzen, nicknamed Slow Death, stood...

Nishi Narayanan South African umpire Rudi Koertzen will equal the world-record set by David Shepherd of officiating 172 ODIs when he stands in at the West Indies-Bangladesh Super Eights match in Barbados on April 19. In fact, Koertzen, nicknamed Slow Death, stood in his 100th ODI alongside Shepherd. “I am delighted to be in the same company as the legendary David Shepherd and that I am proud to be a South African." said Koertzen. Gerald Majola, the CEO of Cricket South Africa, said that Koertzen's achivements had been recognised by Thabo Mbeki, the president of South Africa, when he bestowed on him the President's Sports Award. “Rudi is respected by the world’s top players and is an excellent role model for all aspiring umpires," Majola added. "We are very proud of him." tag:blogs.cricinfo.com,2007:/wc_monitor//125.3956 2007-04-16T01:48:09Z 2007-04-16T01:52:07Z

Tom Moody is sure he won't have any problems watching Sri Lanka take on Australia. Moody was part of two World Cup wins for Australia in 1987 and 1999, but he will be sitting in the coach’s box of Sri...

AFP. "Obviously I've got some good friends in the opposition side who I've played with and won a World Cup with. But at the end of the day that doesn't mean my focus and preparation is any different for the Sri Lankan team against Australia than it would be against any other team. I'm focused on winning the match and doing my job as professionally as possible. "Coaching and playing are completely different. It's me preparing a team to perform at its best. Whether it's against my home country or not is really irrelevant.” ]]> tag:blogs.cricinfo.com,2007:/wc_monitor//125.3954 2007-04-15T18:31:17Z 2007-04-15T18:35:21Z

Indian fans let their hair down © AFP

In a perfect world, India would have been playing Pakistan on April 15 at the Kensington Oval, with the organizers laughing all the way to the bank with a 22,000 sell-out. However, the thousands of fans who planned their trip months in advance in anticipation of such a clash had to settle for Bangladesh v Ireland, thanks to the bizarre turn of events in March 17. Life must go on and to delight of the hosts, plenty chose to stay back and watch the cricket and savour the best the Caribbean has to offer. "It is like money thrown in the bin,” one Indian supporter told AFP. “But I decided to make the most of the holidays and come and watch some cricket." The report said that 3,000-odd fans came from the United States and the United Kingdom much to the delight of local hoteliers. Some left instead for Grenada to watch Sri Lanka where tickets are available at half the original price. In a bid to fill the stands, the Kensington Oval opened its gates for an hour during Sunday’s match, allowing free entry. For some, it was an excuse to catch up with old friends. "My father-in-law had surgery in Karachi last week and he insisted that I don't abandon the tour,” said Ahmed Faruqui, a Pakistan fan. One Indian fan from Chennai admitted how disappointed he was knowing he had to settle for watching Jeremy Bray and William Porterfield instead of Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag. Those from Ireland were sympathetic, but Dermot Parker from Belfast added : This is the World Cup and you expect upsets like this. Perhaps India and Pakistan will learn from Bangladesh and Ireland." ]]> tag:blogs.cricinfo.com,2007:/wc_monitor//125.3952 2007-04-15T13:21:45Z 2007-04-15T13:22:31Z

The Ireland team have only just received thousands of good luck cards and messages sent to them nearly a month ago, following their victory against Pakistan. In the wake of their victory, the southern postal service offered free postage to...

The Ireland team have only just received thousands of good luck cards and messages sent to them nearly a month ago, following their victory against Pakistan. In the wake of their victory, the southern postal service offered free postage to anyone who sent a message out to the Caribbean. The post arrived in Jamaica just after the team had left for Guyana and then arrived in Guyana just after the Irish players had left for Barbados. The messages, then, have come just as Ireland have been on the receiving end of a few pastings. Nevertheless, the volume and sentiment has been impressive. "It's been remarkable," says the manager Roy Torrens. "But what's more remarkable is that I understand only half the mail has been delivered so far..."