The Hindu Business Line : Lessons from the World Cup

The deluge of World Cup cricket on television should have convinced you of that one can indeed have too much of a good thing. The ham fisted umpiring and the farcical ceremonies rung the curtain down fittingly on an eminently forgettable tournament, much of it a media-inspired madness helped by advertisers. Yet, apart from the immediate resignations of some coaches and officials, one wonders whether anything salutary will be learnt from the exercise for the future. The death of Bob Woolmer, which hung like a macabre curtain over the scene, was soon, perhaps predictably, lost in the public memory.

The debit side

Yet, the debit side for the game was manifold. The early exit of the much-puffed up world beating sides from the sub-continent marred the festivities for the game's largest audience. Everywhere one saw the spectacle of beautifully laid out, half-empty stadiums, allegedly because of exorbitantly priced tickets. Some pitches were under-prepared and the ball suddenly skidded through or exploded upwards. The geography meant incessant travelling in hot and sultry weather for teams playing altogether too much cricket. They looked jaded and out of sorts — with the exception of rank outsiders, Bangladesh and Ireland.

Power of money

Administrative glitches and mismanagement are endemic to any internationally organised event partly due to the sheer variety of practices and expectations. Some countries are clearly better at it than others.

The difference with cricket is that there is far too much of it, far too much money involved and, of late, every evidence of all the famous spirit and character of the game being lost to the invincible power of money. Also, the game that swallows up an unconscionable amount of time both during and away from the action on the field. The chattering on the pre- and post-programme shows is dull, repetitive and inane and lacks interest. The spectator sport and media hype are in competition, say what we might about its inevitability. All this does not augur well for the game's future.

Never-say-die attitude

Towering above all was the Australian juggernaut that must now deserve serious consideration for the old Davis Cup method of treating the current champions — they should play only a challenge round against the finalist. More than the depth of talent and consistency, the Australian cricket team could teach a thing or two to organisations of any sort, sports or otherwise.

First was the relentless focus on a single-chosen strategy, executed no matter what the reverses in a never say die spirit. Retirements and losses did not faze them one bit and no star of the recent past was indispensable. Even the phenomenal scorer Matthew Hayden fought for a place at one time and sealed it with a superb performance. What a contrast to countries where the temporary absence of a mega star occasions questions in parliament and street protests!

Joy of the game

Inclusion in the Australian team was clearly based only on current form and not on reputation over the years or politics. From all accounts, they do not seem to suffer from any need for regional quota systems across the five major states and Tasmania. Despite the business-like approach, they also seemed to be enjoying the game and played for all appearances as equals, a great virtue in any team. As Ian Chappell said recalling the advice of former captain Benaud, one has to avoid too much theorising and get on with the game — and remember the basics.

(Feedback can be sent to srchander23@netscape.net)