What you say?

[ll0OoO0ll]

Should India and Pakistan schedule a mini series while they both are out of world cup? Say 5 ODI's in each country. I feel, this series may get more coverage than the world cup, super 8, semis and the final game altogether.

[Nostromo]

Originally Posted by ll0OoO0ll

Should India and Pakistan schedule a mini series while they both are out of world cup? Say 5 ODI's in each country. I feel, this series may get more coverage than the world cup, super 8, semis and the final game altogether.

More coverage from whom? I don't know about Pakistan, but I doubt if Indian fans will care much for this pseudo-tournament, even if one such does take place. We are talking about rivalry in cricket, not some sort of war. It is not simply a matter of India and Pakistan playing each other, but the quality of the stage. Any belief that a genuine international tournament, however poorly attended, can be upstaged by some sort of organised political circus sounds like an ego trip.

[Karthik]

A series can't be just arranged any time when a team wants.A five-year tour plan has been released by the ICC which state in which period of the year which teams goes where.Changes can't be made unless there is some good reason for it.And this doesn't look like a good reason at all.

[vvvrulz]

With so much politics and dilemma going on with both sides, I doubt either will be too keen on hosting a mini-series. But seeing as many lost out on some valuable broadcasting dough, who knows they might just set up a quickfire series. Money is the primary reason the ICC might hustle and take action, but again its pretty unlikely.

[Nostromo]

Originally Posted by vvvrulz

Money is the primary reason the ICC might hustle and take action, but again its pretty unlikely.

That is the problem with all forms of cricket today, particulary the shorter versions of the game. The various parties involved seem too bothered about the financial angle rather than the game itself. The worst case scenario is undoubtedly in India where the sponsors and TV companies rule the roost. Sickening.

[Karthik]

Originally Posted by Nostromo

That is the problem with all forms of cricket today, particulary the shorter versions of the game. The various parties involved seem too bothered about the financial angle rather than the game itself. The worst case scenario is undoubtedly in India where the sponsors and TV companies rule the roost. Sickening.

Yes,but it sometimes has it's benefits.For example,due to television sponsors,the match is telecasted and we are able to watch it.Companies sponsoring the team itself can support the BCCI and they can use it to expand and improve cricket in India.

[Nostromo]

Originally Posted by Karthik

Companies sponsoring the team itself can support the BCCI and they can use it to expand and improve cricket in India.

Yes they can, but will they? Sponsors think of themselves first and good of the game that they are sponsoring afterwards. Sri Lanka have taken the hard work ethic way of improving their own game and it seems to be paying dividends. Irrespective of whether they win this World Cup or not, most obsevers have noticed that SL now look like a far more professional and well trained unit and in a different class altogether from either India or Pakistan.

[sittingduck]

Originally Posted by Karthik

A series can't be just arranged any time when a team wants.A five-year tour plan has been released by the ICC which state in which period of the year which teams goes where.Changes can't be made unless there is some good reason for it.And this doesn't look like a good reason at all.

You're right but additional tours and matches can be arrainged between the two countries with ICC approval. That's why Sri lanka have toured NZ three times in the last five years as they're one of the few teams NZ can attract down as an extra revenue earner on top of the five yearly tours.

[Speedboy Salesman]

Originally Posted by Nostromo

in India where the sponsors and TV companies rule the roost. Sickening.

When I took a holiday in India, I absolutely loved it, and my pipe dream is to move to India, somewhere where my future kids can grow up. When I was watching cricket on TV, (England v Australia Ashes series 2006 or India vs South Africa ODI series, that series that Zaheer Khan seemed to get Graeme Smith out first ball every time) there was always adverts at the end of every over, which bugged me, not being used to it of course and some times the advert wasn't in English so I couldn't understand them. But I loved the Indian passion for cricket, and every day I saw the same kids at this park (dust, no grass) with bricks for stumps and a battered bat, and an old ball, just happy to knock it around.. Sigh... happy days.

[Nostromo]

Originally Posted by Speedboy Salesman

When I was watching cricket on TV, there was always adverts at the end of every over, which bugged me, not being used to it of course and some times the advert wasn't in English so I couldn't understand them. But I loved the Indian passion for cricket, and every day I saw the same kids at this park (dust, no grass) with bricks for stumps and a battered bat, and an old ball, just happy to knock it around.. Sigh... happy days.

That's the unfortunate 2 faces of Indian Cricket. One the good side, there is this schoolboy passion for the game that still exists and speaks well for the future. On the darker side is the excessive commercialism - not to mention politicalisation - of the upper echelons of Cricket that is the worst thing that could have happened. My brother-in-law in Bangalore said that it was like watching "Cricket breaks" between a programme of commercials. I think they should have Soccer like rules where adverts are only allowed during the drinks breaks and intervals for lunch/tea.