Now that the action is underway, though, there are plenty of intriguing storylines that are sure to entice viewers. Sachin Tendulkar, who has ruled international cricket for over two decades, is playing what must surely be his final World Cup. With the final to be played in his hometown of Mumbai, no neutral observer would be able to deny the undoubted pleasure they would get from watching him play a tournament-winning knock. While India are the slight favourites, another enticing aspect of this World Cup is its openness. The dominant Australians of the past are no more. Their sudden decline has opened the tournament up with at least six teams that could make a convincing case for their fortunes.
As much as we would love a competitive World Cup that showcases international cricket’s superstars at their finest, there is one thing that would give us even more pleasure: A Pakistan victory. The decline in Pakistan cricket can be traced back to the 2007 World Cup, when we were humiliated by Ireland and tragically lost coach Bob Woolmer in still unexplained circumstances. Since then, our team has lurched from one disaster to the other. Let’s not forget that Pakistan was supposed to be co-hosting the tournament, a distinction it regrettably lost after terrorists targeted the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore. As our victory in the T20 Championships two years ago showed, if there is one constant in Pakistan cricket it is our ability to shock and surprise. As much as we want the best team to win the World Cup, here’s to hoping the best team is Pakistan.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 19th, 2011.
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