Metaphorically, minnow is referred to a sporting team who might be considered extreme underdogs. They are expected to be Goliath while taking on their more elusive opponents. True that Scotland and Bermuda and Netherlands have shown every signs of being a minnow in WC 2007 but Ireland proved why the minnows in cricket should always be respected. They proved their mettle with a last-ball tie against their handy rival Zimbabwe in their first ever WC game. But more surprise was in store for the cricketing world on 17th January, a day that would change the long lasting stereotypes regarding lesser cricketing nations. India who hardly gave Bangladesh an opportunity to play tests on the Indian soil, fearing revenues will be cut down lost to them comprehensively. But the shock defeat of Ireland at the hands of Pakistan was just too much for Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer who succumbed to a tragic death this Sunday. Pakistan throughout the history of international cricket has been a team shrouded with mystery and Zimbabwe over the years has declined in strength. But what the Irishmen did was simply marvelous. There were very little signs of nervousness though it was their first attempt to prove themselves on the big stage. And they did so with flying colours.
But their achievement did yield greater sacrifices. Just before the WC they lost Ed Joyce to England who served heroics in the last ICC trophy. Now Eoin Morgan is on the line to shift allegiance. But then again the team looked superb and ready for any battle. Similar sacrifices were made by other associate member countries for many years due to the nonchalance of ICC. Andre van Troost of Holland once regarded as the fastest white bowler after Allan Donald hardly ever played any international cricket and went for a premature retirement. Denmark’s Ole Mortensen lightened the county scene but was never seen in the World Cups. Italy has faced strong antagonism regarding ICC rules on non-resident players’ quota. Since UAE tampered with ICC apathy regarding foreign players, new rules were applied. The rules greatly hampered emerging nations like Italy who have a large number of players from Australia and South Africa with Italian ancestry. ICC has not yet reviewed this rules that should be altered regarding resident policies of different nations.
Zimbabwe in this regard was lucky as they have qualified in every WC by dint of their success in the ICC trophy. They caused a huge upset beating the mighty Australians. They had to remain the ‘minnows’ till 1992 when finally they were granted full membership. Since then the ICC cricket World Cup has seen upsets in the previous events. Famous among them are Kenya’s drubbing of the Windies in the 1996 WC while Bangladesh castled Pakistan in the 1999 WC edition. And the Irish win over Pakistan on St. Patrick’s day is just a testimony of the continuing tradition.
The decision to play more associate member countries at the biggest tournament of one day international cricket hasn’t been a smooth sailing. Objections came from all possible corners. Pundits argued they will diminish the luster of the game to a greater extent. Of course, they forget the adverse role played by the MCC in the integration of countries such as USA and Canada in the initial stages of international cricket. Their first class status was also stripped. Again the door was closed for associate member countries for many years till Dr. Ali Bacher came with the idea of globalizing the game. Jagmohan Dalmia took the initiative to a greater height. Now-a-days cricket is played over almost 110 countries which was unimaginable even in the early nineties.
ICC finally has understood cricket does not mean the former British colonies fighting out amongst themselves. It’s a humble game and for the survival of the game it has to expand. Money is now being poured dividing the cricket playing world into five divisions, i.e. Asia, Africa, Americas, East Asia-Pacific and Europe. More countries are being helped with natural wickets, coaching facilities, youth programs and what not. ICC has devised a beautiful qualifying system for the 2011 WC. Each and every member countries, however insignificant, can compete in tournaments regulated by the ICC.
From Argentina to Zambia cricket is being played with more impetus than ever before. Thus there is an increase in the number of associates competing in the 2007 World Cup. Their performance might be disappointing at times but one must not forget playing at the highest level of the game is all together a different ball game. Bangladesh struggled in their early transitional years at the highest level. Now they have beaten the mighty Australians and have caused constant panic in different opposition camps in the last few games. How beautifully the team has matured who would have been written off just a few years ago if asked whether they be a threat to India and Sri Lanka. Kenya also complained about the lack of game which resulted into serious problems within their team. They played brilliant as well as credible cricket when they reached the semi-final of 2003 World Cup. Collins Obuya, Thomas Odoyo and many other emerged as new stars at the cricketing stage.
Similar talents lay in the Ryan ten Doeschates, Alexei Kervezees and Ashish Bagais of this years’ World Cup. They will bloom given the right situation. Who knows more upsets are not on the cards in this years’ WC? Even Bangladesh advancing to the super eights will be dubbed as ‘upset’ by the mighty nations, extremely antagonistic towards the integration of lesser nations on the big stage. The message to the people avenging on the minnows is clear. Just give them more and more chance and shut your mouth. History is destined to repeat itself.
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