Minnows present the amateur spirit

Street brawls can be ugly. Not always though! If a David gets the better of a bully of a Goliath, there’s a distinct joy in cheering the underdog.

This World Cup has thrown up some exciting cricket from the minnows. Way back in ’75 & ’79, India were minnows in the world of one day cricket, not that the rest of the cricketing nations were all very adept at the shorter version.

It was the West Indies all the way because of their natural flair for fun and frolic. All other countries failed to come anywhere near West Indian brilliance.

Come 1983, lo and behold, the Indian ‘David’ had the measure of the West Indian ‘Goliath’...and, golly, wasn’t that a great moment!

The World Cup has since had more minnows, for mere participation really, as the format has demanded, and not so much for competitive reasons.

The ICC has the enviable job of spreading the gospel of cricket far and wide, and it is forever debating the exact number of teams competing at World Cups. We really don’t quite know why!

The present edition of the World Cup has, at long last, given the minnows a new stature, thanks to a brilliant chase by Ireland against the not-so-mighty West Indians.

I reckon, at this edition, the associate members might have arrived. Ireland vs UAE was a pretty exciting match. We weren’t watching novices anymore. The basic concept of one-day cricket is catching on with gusto, as we saw Ireland clinching it in the last over of the game.

For my money, there is a case for amateurs in any sporting contest of international importance. The joy derived by non-professionals is exceptional. 

Let me try and elaborate. I once had the temerity to ask Sir Donald Bradman why he had never turned pro (was there a greater professional performer than Sir Donald?!).

“Because I didn’t wish to miss out on the fun of the game,” was his reply.

“Professionalism brings in its wake a mean streak in you,” said the Don, and there is no way I could challenge the great man.

Watching the mix of the pros and ‘the Gentlemen’ of today evokes the question of whether sport was meant for fun or war.

I am told umpteen times that the game has changed hugely. Pray, tell me if the length/width of pitch has changed; if the weight of ball has altered; or if the height/width of stumps has changed; or if the width of the bat has changed.

Yet the game has changed, with new actors, producers and directors.

And there’s tons of money now in the game. And we are still busy taking stock of all the ills that money has brought to the table!