This world cup has to be one of the
lengthiest in terms of number of matches and duration – 42 matches over a
period of one month. It may sound as if it’s a treat to cricket lovers, but a
lot can be asked about the format of the tournament.
There are 14 teams in the tournament: 10 ICC
full members and 4 associates. 14 teams are divided into 2 groups of 7 each and
they fight out with each other to “qualify for 8 quarterfinal spots” – 14 teams
reduced to 8 teams for the quarterfinals, right? Now, if Bangladesh does not
manage to perform beyond expectations (which is the expectation), which 8
nations will qualify for quarterfinals? This won’t be a million dollar
question, would it be?
So, then, we have 8 traditional test
playing nations “trying to qualify for 8 quarter final spots”. I assume
that as each of them play 6 matches each in the group stage, they will qualify,
even if they go thru one rare/unexpected result with an associate team. So even
the out of form, out of sorts West Indies will, in all probability, qualify. And then they could end up playing one of the
better teams – Australia or New Zealand in the quarters. And, one fine day of
cricket will take them to semis, or, 2 fine days of cricket will take them to
final, or, 3 fine days of cricket will win them the cup.
So, it takes 3 fine days of cricket to win
the world cup after all! In Football world cup, you have 32 teams and even these 32 teams go thru a tough
format to even qualify to play for the world cup – such is the competition and
hence, 16 teams from 4 groups qualify for the pre quarterfinals. It’s needed,
it makes sense. But in cricket, where you can make a guess on quarter finalists
even before the opening ceremony, the format is more helpful to a West Indies
than an Australia or New Zealand.
On the other side though, If results of 16th
Feb (Ireland upsetting West Indies) are repeated, we might be in for an
interesting one.
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