A selection of musings from around the cricket World Cup
When the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the new broadcast features ahead of its World Cup last month, it termed its showpiece tournament as the “world’s third-biggest sporting event”.
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No prizes for guessing the top two, though: the Olympic Games and the FIFA World Cup. But cricket isn’t the only sport that bills its World Cup as number three in the world. Rugby and Athletics are also vying for that much-coveted bronze medal in the mega event race.
The issue of the scale of events has been the subject of debate recently with the World Rugby (WR) regularly claiming they occupy third place in the list.
Mark Butcher tells England fans to hide behind the sofa
After a humiliating World Cup exit, England face a Test series in the West Indies, followed by series at home to New Zealand and Australia.
Speaking to Radio 5 Live, the former England opener warned fans to expect an ‘absolute hiding’ and a ‘horrendous six months’.
Zimbabwean journalist may be tossed out of World Cup and future events over 'vicious attack'
It is the World Cup story that has had thousands shaking their heads in disbelief and tournament organisers were on Wednesday night considering revoking the accreditation of the Zimbabwean journalist who wrote it, as well as banning him from future events.
Robson Sharuko, of the Zimbabwe Herald, penned the appalling yarn after his nation's defeat to Ireland at the weekend, essentially questioning the honesty of Irishman John Mooney - who claimed a crucial boundary-line catch - because of his self-confessed struggles with alcoholism and depression.
Swami Army sweeps up Pakistani recruit
Three heart attacks haven't stopped Pakistan cricket fan Mohammad Bashir from following his team around the world.
And if they are not in action, the Chicago-based Bashir, 62, is more than happy to watch arch-rivals India.
The proof came in the usually sedate surroundings of Hamilton's Seddon Park, transformed into a riot of colour and noise by India's Swami Army of supporters for the reigning champions World Cup Pool B match against Ireland on Tuesday.
Bashir, who has become a friend of India "super fan" Sudhir Kumar Chaudhary, is a huge admirer of retired India batting great Sachin Tendulkar.
England World Cup flops face a burning question
Perhaps a few burning effigies would help concentrate the minds of England’s World Cup party?
In 2007, when India were knocked out at the group stage in the Caribbean after defeats by Bangladesh and Sri Lanka characterised by stodgy batting and insipid bowling, scruffy models and posters of Rahul Dravid, MS Dhoni and even Sachin Tendulkar were incinerated in an epic binge of bonfires, furious condemnatioand Rumpelstiltskin-esque hopping in India’s major metropolises.
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