Guess I am missing something, but this series just seems like another post-Tsunami kind of a charity deal.
Honestly, I have not followed the run up to this series very seriously or closely …except the bits about Tendulkar not going to make it, Inzy refusing to play etc etc…
Today, I am noticing that almost all desi news web sites, even BBC…have the ICC match coverage as a front page item.
What is the purpose of this series ? I mean how did the idea come into being ?
Are these matches official ? (will the statistics go into record books).
Even if the answer to the above question is YES, I am not sure how somebody can get all excited about a series involving a team with a mix of players from multiple countries…
Or is it the thrill of finding out whether the Aussies can be defeated.
I am not trying to downplay the series…just want to know what the buzz is about.
It's all about marketing it to more cuntries thus making more money ...... they (The ICC) want to follow into the footsteps of FIFA ...... but then u talk about cricket and i think it won't happen atleast not in next 10-15 years
Well...I kind of get it now....but I still can't get myself to jump in joy when Muralitharan takes a wicket. Guess I am just too nationalistic.
Also I can't believe the players(esp from the World XI) would give their 100% knowing that there is no real pressure on them(from their countrymen) to perform.
You have to be passionate about cricket to follow the ICC series. I am watching it live and enjoying each and every moment. And yes all the players are ginving their best and it is really not like the Tsunami matches. Infact even before the start of the seires, I had no doubt that it will be a highly competitive series.
You have to understand it is not always about following only the Pakistan matches.
^ I agree with fkhan2. The prospect of worlds best taking on worlds best team is a mouth-watering prospect. I for sure will be cheering for Pollock or Sehwag alike. But ofcourse I would want Afridi and Akhtar to do even better.
The reason these guys are and will be giving their best because they are selected as a creame of world cricket and would love to prove the selectors right. Plus aussies have to prove their doubters wrong.
Mr Some1, ever seen those 'Best of' or 'Greatest hits' music albums? Think of this as something similar. All the goodness of world cricket in one little box. Like Mr Saby pointed out: mouth watering. Very.
The “Greatest hits” music album could muster only 168 runs. So how many of you are clamouring for the head of Lara, Dravid etc after their poor performance.
Romanticize it as much as you want, but the fact is that the players from World XI don’t have the same incentive to perform (even though they may seem like giving their best). Listen to the interview of players - for most it is only a “fun outing”. Ever heard of the Ashes or India-Pak Series being referred to that way.
^ Agreed some1, I have made the same point in the match thread. The pride and commitment is not there when you are not playing for your country. That is why quite often the worldX1 loses matches. Great players but lack of pride and commitment.
Like I have said before, lack of team experience equals losing. Doesn't matter if you are playing 11 players with the calibre of Don Bradman, if there is no team chemistry, they won't win any games against the best team in the world.
Plus I watched the first couple minutes of the match last night, it looks like the Aussie crowd are not interested in this series as well, the stadium was virtually empty.
i am excited cuz our stupid star players afridi and shobby is in the team... and also its been a long time i havent follow any cricket. so its fun following up so far :)
