After only four days of the World T20 in the Caribbean, we can't help but feel that the ICC has got so many things wrong in relation to this tournament. Sure, we've seen a closely fought opening match between Sri Lanka and New Zealand and some imperious batting from Suresh Raina and Mahela Jayawardene in particular, but the overwhelming emotion so far is one of disappointment.
Coming only a few days after the end of the six week long IPL, even the most ardent fan of T20 cricket must be getting a bit tired of the format and yearn for a 50 over competition or heaven above a test match played in crisp whites.
And who decided to play the tournament at the start of the rainy season in the Caribbean? This has already led to the flawed Duckworth Lewis method handing an easy victory to the West Indies after England had amassed 191 in their 20 overs. Forgetting the fact that Duckworth Lewis needs an overhaul, whoever decided to stage both matches at the same ground on the same day at a time of year when there is a strong chance of a storm needs their heads examined. Talk about putting all your eggs in one basket.
Then there is the preliminary round of four groups of three teams. What is the point? We can understand to some extent the idea of pre-ordaining the groups for the Super Eight stage to the benefit of supporters, but why not just have two groups of six to start with, followed by semi-finals and a final? That would only involve six more matches in the tournament and at least means that each team would play a minimum of five matches. Ok the tournament would then last an extra three days (unless, of course three matches were played per day at the weekend), but is that such a hardship?
Finally, this year's tournament started only ten months after the last one in England finished. The ICC and cricket in general should learn to adopt a less is more approach with T20. One tournament every two years is more than enough.
Not sure about your comment about the rain, man. Statistically, Georgetown in May is drier than London in July or Melbourne in December. Look it up! Does that mean they should cancel cricket during the English summer and move the Boxing Day Test to the Sahara? I'm in Guyana and loving the WT20 - big crowds, cheap tickets and good cricket. Why wouldn't i love it?
Posted by: Dexter Lloyd | Tuesday, May 04, 2010 at 13:55
Enjoy the cricket Dexter. I expect the fact I was abit sore England lost on Duckworth Lewis probably increased my angst towards the ICC! I still think it would have been better just to have two groups of six rather than two group stages though
Posted by: The Reverse Sweep | Tuesday, May 04, 2010 at 15:33