What a sick world cup 2007

Cricket World Cup is like the Kumbh Mela in India, a festival celebrated with large gaps in between but nevertheless captures the imagination of the country. Special songs are written, special products are launched, contests all over and even maha yagnas are performed. Cricket is a religion in India and cricketers demi-gods.

However, this world cup is not going to be remembered for the good. India has had a bad outing and faces elimination after its loss at the hands of Sri Lanka and minnows Bangladesh. Bob Woolmer, legendary coach of Pakistan and ex coach of South Africa was murdered and has cast its shadow on the world cup. Former Irish Cricket Union president Robert Kerr died of a suspected heart attack a few days back, leading to the second fatality during the world cup. And of course Pakistan, a leading cricketing nation is out of the tournament too.

What will be interesting to watch is the fallout. People will raise questions which will be difficult to answer. One can expect a few resignations and of course a few sackings. Mr. Pawar, president of BCCI, is already asking the nation to look towards the 2011 world cup!

The biggest issue will be, is Rahul Dravid an able captain or should Mr. Back-in-form Ganguly be reinstated?