Crowds to rule 2011 Cricket World Cup

Post date: 11-Jan-2011 09:50:47

2007 CRICKET WORLD CUP: Empty stands killed the spirit of the game

The stage is all set in the sub-continent for yet another cricketing spectacle. The 2011 World Cup will be the third time this prized competition will be staged in Asia.

The hosts of the tournament - India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are considered to be highly suited to host ODI cricket at the moment as the tournament promises to draw huge crowds into the stadium and generate high revenues, especially in India. 

Crowd support will determine the course of the tournament. Cricket is more than a religion in the sub-continent. Cricketers are worshipped, prayers and rituals offered in temples before the start of a big match. The God of Cricket, Sachin Tendulkar, embodies cricket in its purest form and fulfils all dreams of the Indian cricket fan.

The last Cricket World Cup in 2007 in the West Indies was a veritable disaster, and the 50-over format has only dimmed since. The Indian Premier League Cricket (IPL Twenty20) capitalised on this slump and raked in huge money in its first edition. The 2008 edition of IPL also attracted nearly 3.5 million people.

The rapid growth of Twenty20 is largely due to extensive commercialisation, where cricketers are traded like horses. But who really cares. Players and organisers make more money, and the fans pay for it.

The ODI format is still alive, and its success will be determined in the upcoming World Cup due to start on the 19 February 2011.

After satisfactorily staging the Commonwealth Games (minus all the hoopla) in 2010, India is ready for another grand sporting event. It’s time to play cricket!