ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat, on Monday, hoped the high-profile semifinal between Pakistan and India will build a bridge between the two nations. This is the first meeting between the two teams on Indian soil since the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.
Lorgat believes the match could build a bridge between the two nations.
“Cricket is there to build bridges,” said Lorgat. “If it does then it would be a just reward for the beautiful game of cricket.”
He also said the World Cup has removed doubts over the future of the 50-over format of the game.
“I am satisfied that we have delivered a successful World Cup and with three matches to go I am confident that any doubts over the future of ODI cricket are now bizarre,” Lorgat said.
Since last year there were calls for a major overhaul of the 50-over format which was deemed to be under threat from Twenty20 cricket.
But Lorgat said talk of ODIs being in crisis was self-inflicting.
“As a game we were self-inflicting a crisis on 50-over cricket. Some great — and some not so great — players were questioning the future of 50-over cricket, although there was no evidence of a crisis with stadiums packed,” said Lorgat.
Open mind
“The ICC kept an open mind, allowing administrators to explore or experiment,” added the ICC chief of the innovations of split innings of 25 overs used in Australia and the introduction of power-plays.
“As the governing body we conducted a survey of 676 million people in five markets — England, New Zealand, India, South Africa and Bangladesh — that showed there was not just an interest but a passion for ODIs,” he said.
— Agencies
