There of the 16 matches of ICC world cup required abandoning for getting washed out by rain. The weather forecast threatens more matches of the pool matches.
In a widely contested global event of teams of similar strength and balance rain ruined matches make everything topsy-turvy. People have been asking genuine questions why reserve was not allocated as English summer often remain wet creating possibilities of rain interruptions.
World cup is global event held after every four years. Teams invest money, time and resources in preparation. Participating teams desire contests not splitting points from abandoned matches. It is true man can do very little against nature. But in modern days it is very much possible for getting long term weather forecast of venues and planned actions.
ICC should have been additionally careful this year as they planned for too many matches. Each of the ten participating teams would have to play against one another. It is already proving misery for some title aspiring teams losing points through abandoned matches. Nature always ensures justice and ultimately evens out. Teams already affected can only keep their fingers crossed and wait for natural justice.
All teams excepting India has so far played at least three matches. The situation is till 12 June stands as
New Zealand leads the table with 3 straight wins against Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. They have not yet played against tournament favorites like England, Australia or India yet.
England won against South Africa, lost the first match against Pakistan and won against Bangladesh. India starting late in the tournament played two and won two against South Africa and Australia.
Reigning Champions played three won two against Afghanistan and West Indies but lost to India. Sri Lanka is the luckiest of the teams. After getting blown out by New Zealand in their first match they managed a hard earned win against Afghanistan. They managed getting one points each from their rain ruined matches against Pakistan and Bangladesh.
In business as usual they might have lost both matches. West Indies is one of the most impressive team of the tournament so far. They crushed Pakistan in their first match and then some poor umpiring cost them the match against Australia. Finally rain forced them sharing points with South Africa. Bangladesh surprised South Africa in their first match. They went down fighting to New Zealand, lost heavily to England. Ill luck befalls on them as well splitting points with Sri Lanka in abandoned match. Pakistan shocked England after getting blown out by West Indies in the first match. They also had to split points with Sri Lanka in rain ruined match. Afghanistan losing all three matches is languishing at the bottom.
Four top teams will move to knock out rounds playing semi finals and eventually the winners appear in the final at Lords on 17 July. The present position of the teams in the table indicate that rain can tilt balance a great deal. If teams in the bottom layer earn points through rain affected match/ matches then the picture may completely change. Weather forecasts till 17 th June indicate more rain interferences.
This is unfair and unjust for teams looking stronger in the tournament so far. ICC could have been more careful working intimately with Cricket boards of England and Wales. Rain is a part of English cricket. English summer is some year dry and some year excessively wet. When ICC decided for reducing teams to 10 from 12 and going for lengthy pool matches there could be considerations for reserve day, playing two matches every alternate day. In future if England expects organizing ICC World Cup they must construct indoor stadium like Etihad Stadium in Melbourne for Venues which experience rain, made adequate arrangements of super supper and modern drainage system in the ground.
BDST: 1105 HRS, JUNE 12, 2019
AH
