But the Irish have made a statement in this edition of World Cup. The lucrative sponsorship deals might soon find their way there, though most of it depends on how the ICC chooses to deal with this potential we have seen and loved so much. The Irish played most of their World Cup fearlessly (with their hair dyed, I might add in support of the Irish Cancer society) and with crowds that were more often than not behind them, know that they have made their point. Though there is a lot to rue about, and it is a surely a good sign for a team that every lost opportunity is regretted. From the Gary Wilson LBW to the collapse against Bangladesh, from the decision to hide Dockerell against the West Indies, to the lack of consistency of their pace bowlers. Everything should be analyzed, because the Irish just missed out on making history.
Hopefully, the ICC will recognize the leaps that Irish cricket has taken and ensure that it all doesn't fade away like the former giant-killers Kenya and almost-rans Zimbabwe have. And cricket fans like us can only hope that we get to see some fresh exciting countries playing regular One Day Internationals. Ten nations playing each other all through the year does lose its sheen after a life time of watching the game.
Photo Source : Getty Images
Article comments