10 things to love
I'm suddenly sickened by the relentless onslaught of criticism for the Cricket World Cup (CWC). Not that the critics are being unfair, but it has become a one-eyed rant that has done a lot to extract any remaining juice.Condemnations have come from without and within, some of the former reeking of smugness, and much of the latter heavy with hypocrisy.
The kind of hypocrisy that comes from people who could have done things in earlier years to help avoid the various problems, but who didn't bother because it would have interfered with their personal ambitions and self-interested agendas. Much of it now sounds like they are covering their behinds, avoiding responsibility and pointing fingers elsewhere.
Having once been within the precincts of the decision-making, I came to know enough of how it works to recognise the signs. To tell the truth, it has made me very disillusioned about the state of our Caribbean because it is no more than a bitter reflection of the nature of leadership and turf-vision hijacking these territories.
After the games are over, we will wring our hands and maybe some necks, but for now, while there is still cricket in the air, I wanted to find some things we could celebrate. A moment of pause, so to speak, a moment to acknowledge that many people have worked hard, particularly those backstage, to give us something to talk about.
Here's my list of ten things I found to enjoy about this CWC.
The Vibes: The unpaid volunteers who have surrounded the event with efficiency and courtesy in all the territories are uplifting. They were well trained and their easy cheerfulness and politeness helped keep many spectators from exploding under restrictions. They reinforced the idea that the public does care about cricket and can be entrusted to participate more fully in its nurturing.
The Stadia: Having seen them only through television screens, I have to say that without exception they looked marvellous. Some years ago, I had proposed that as part of the bid requirements, each territory should be asked to submit a plan of continuous use for the stadia, detailing projected revenue-earning activities. The goal was to ensure that planners designed multi-purpose facilities that would serve a range of purposes in addition to sporting ones. I am glad to see that a committee is now submitting those proposals to CARICOM, even though it is late.
People Power: Fans demonstrated clearly that even if others would not stand up to International Cricket Council restrictions, they would. Staying away as fearsomely as they did worked powerfully to amend clauses that seemed etched in stone. Now if only we understood the significance of wielding that power in daily living, we could change a lot more around here.
The Minnows: While supporting qualifying processes, the blanket rejection of minnows was a bit much for me. Fortunately, we've been forced to redefine whom we call minnows as Bangladesh and Ireland made the West Indies look small.
The Irish: This team and their supporters enjoyed this first World Cup appearance fully. Every team should have their spirit and unflagging gaiety.
The Uniforms: I love the designs of the uniforms and caps. They were stylish improvements on past apparel.
Innovation: You can't say you didn't love the idea of rum inside bottles of sunblock.
Malinga's Mane: Sri Lanka's young lion taking a record four in four was a thing of beauty. I feel warmth towards his thick mane, probably because it seems as untamed as mine.
Leverock's Levity: Bermuda didn't bother too much about being minnows. The one team that were obviously not ready for a World Cup debut, they provided a different kind of entertainment with their star distraction's girth.
The Weather: Rain was a major decider in setting tournament dates. Thankfully, the weather has been mainly beautiful, a true ray of sunshine on the event.
Hopefully on to a grand finale before the post mortem.