This WC Is Going To Be A Bigger Event

This WC is always a big event. But everytime it is bigger than before. Because everytime it brings the chance for all the teams to better their records in history. The teams who have won before can take their record further. And the team which haven't, can do it for the first time. In any case, the Cup is always bigger and more exciting than ever before. This time also, there are 14 teams contesting as in 2003 divided into two groups. The group stage will be followed by the knock-out stage: QF, SF and the finals. The WCs have always been extremely thrilling. In 1975 & 1979 they were won by a super strong West Indies team which reigned over the World in 1970s & 1980s. In 1983 it was won by a spirited Indian side, in 1987 by a dogged Aus side and in 1992 by a surprising Pak. Every time there was more thrill, more drama, more entertainment and more fun. In 1992 one of the main reasons of entertainment was the top form of the SA and NZ teams. The SA were playing for the first time and they were in their peak form. As also the NZ which was anchored very ably by a dashing Martin Crowe. Since 1993 the game became much bigger that before as cable television entered the market. And the way the game was played and telecasted was hyped multi-times as compared to earlier. The private Sports Channels presented in a very glamorous way adding emphasis to every thing. So it was from the 1996 WC that the game became super big when it came to India. India is the biggest contributor to the ICC's sponsorships. The maximum amount of the sponsorship comes from India. So India is a very important country in ICC's books. The way SL played the game in 1996 was amazing. They attacked hard in the first 15 overs and took the game away from there. In 1999 it was a big craze in India as the Indian team had won a big number of ODI tournaments in 1998. They played 10 and won 6 out of that. So the Indian team was in terrefic form and in particular Sachin Tendulkar was in the most dashing form. So the expectations were large in 1999 but it could not materialize as the team could not make it to the SF. The 2003 was the biggest edition so far as it enjoyed the maximum following. The Indian team did very well by reaching the finals and the Aussie team ruled completely like an emperor beating all teams like minnows. The Aus team literally crushed all teams by heavy margins and further strengthened their might in the world. So the 2003 Cup was the most entertaining and it still continues to thrill people in their memories. The 2007 edition was India's worst performance of all times and their exit in the preliminary stage was extremely shameful. It was a loss which cannot be made up by any amount of success. Australia have ruled over the world over the

entire last decade and continue to be the favourites in this tournament too. At present also they thrashed Eng by 6-1 in a 7-match series at their home. This is just an indication of the kind of rythm they are in. SA and Eng also have been doing well recently and are the next favourites to win the title. All in all it's going to be a grand event and the Indian media is going to hype it like nothing before.

My best wishes to the Indian team for the tournament.