Minnows for sharks

Afghanistan,  Zimbabwe, Ireland and Bangladesh were supposed to make up the numbers. They didn't disappoint on that front. If the idea was to provide the traditional big boys a little bit of match practice, the ICC got the format spot on. However, the initial elimination round of the World T20 felt like a damp squib for the spectators. Both on the tube and the stadium. Sport is a contest enjoyed best when the sparring parties match match up shoulder to shoulder. A David vs Goliath battle does have the possibility of an exhilarating upshot but the odds of that happening warrants that these are seen on the reel rather than real. The ICC probably wants to get as many matches played as possible, marquee or not. Production rights call for as drawn out a schedule as possible. The guardian of the game presents this to us in the garb of an intention to globalize the game. However, it has no inclination or say in asking the big boards to play these up and coming teams more often. Playing a couple of games against quality opposition doesn't hone skills. It only tugs at the inferiority complex that most of these teams harbor.  Four minnows against eight is too large a ratio for a fairly competitive cricket tournament. Only adds a host of lopsided games that serve no other purpose than filling the executive body's coffers. May be they can restrict the non test playing nations to two. Food for thought but then who wants grub when everybody is swaying in extravagance.

At the BPL, Liverpool suffered a set back at Anfield and are not getting any results to better their position last season. The belief in the squad looks rock bottom and a good signing or two should help. Mancini had a row with the Villa manager and it looks like the fights off the turf are getting more entertaining than the contention on the field. 

The Ryder cup is upon us and in the world of professional golf, this is one occasion where team spirit takes center stage. Europe would be hoping to do an encore riding on McIlroy's sizzling form at the Mdeinah Country Club. To do that on American turf, they would need more than luck and with Woods getting back a semblance of his erstwhile form, the clash of heavy artillery golfers is  widely anticipated. In the hole, I say.