Jemisi wrote:Sorry if I wasn't clear. I was cheering tha a few of the big boys got knocked out. I was happy with the unpredictability. But India wasn't happy and won't allow the possibility of a repeat.
Yes that is indeed true. India are only interested in a format that guarantees them victory. Perhaps a 15 team format with India (the 16th team) having a bye until the final.
Neil Johnson, Alistair Campbell, Murray Goodwin, Andy Flower (w), Grant Flower, Dave Houghton, Guy Whittall, Heath Streak (c), Andy Blignaut, Ray Price, Eddo Brandes
Regarding the key matters surrounding this conference, I favor inclusivity over exclusivity.At the same time I would not want the standard of the 'global' showpiece to be diminished. As a result Full members should always gain automatic entry into the world cup, and only two places should be made available to the associates. Two groups of six, with the top four proceeding to quarterfinals. I think, the Associates do have a qualifying tournament already. The two qualifiers will be chosen from there, but to give them an extra incentive, their whole tournament can be played at the hosting nation. More or less like the
soccer confederations cup is used to test readiness for the WC. The winners will then be given an opprtunity to play a single game apiece tri-nations
tournament with the host, 6 months before/after the WC (with of course reserve days for washed out games). That way they will adjust to the conditions and be in a better position to make necessary improvements ahead of the WC, which will make them more competitive. As more full memebrs are added then the number of nations competing in the WC will grow naturally. no attempt should be made to reduce the tournament for financial (or Indian) reasons as that goes against the ICC's goal of spreading the reach of the game. That's counterproductive. If you want a shorter tournament, reduce the number of days between the teams rest between games, it's unnecessary. As to the reduction of the teams in the T20 tournament, the changes smacks of greed.For such a lesser version of cricket, one with shorter game spans and a greater chance of spreading the game, that I'm afraid is shooting yourself in the leg. Sometimes I wonder why
people who love their respective sports and care about their future, entrust the administration to absolute idiots! Unless it's a case of idiots voting for idiots. On the runners issue, I totally agree with the ICC's rational. This FTP is discriminatory. We should organise matches against ourselves (Zim, Ban, WI, NZ, Pak&SL) and tour those coutnries who don't want us to have a series against them, but play against their FC teams so our players can adapt themselves to the conditions. The associates should organise unofficial four day games amongst themselves.
