The Jamaican Police, after 3 months of investigation, has now accepted that Coach Bob Woolmer was not murdered.
Although I was happy to hear that nobody in the cricket fraternity is petty enough to sink to the low of murder, I was also sad that Coach Woolmer's family endured much distress and anguish. I pray that Coach Woolmer’s “murder investigation” saga is over and his soul can rest in peace.
The Jamaican opposition leader called the whole episode a national embarrassment and I think he is right. From day one the Jamaican Police knew that this case was high profile and would be scrutinised by the world and world press word by word. They knew that they couldn’t make a bold statement like “Bob Woolmer was murdered” and get away with it. Mark Shields must bear the burden and take responsibility. The nation has scarred itself for life. I hope ICC doesn’t punish West Indies when deciding on venues for future World Cups.
Pakistan and its cricket team have been disgraced due to this matter. No self-respecting adult wants to provide fingerprints or DNA to Police. The Irish and Pakistani team had to do this. I feel the Jamaican Police must apologise to Pakistan and their team for the botched job. The suspicion was cast on the team and I am glad they have been vindicated.
I hope that this verdict makes it easier for International coaches to accept roles in subcontinent nations without fear.
Despite being an avid cricket fan I maintain that it’s a game and should be left that way. I hope that two evils murder and match fixing never plague the game.
Meanwhile Australia and Pakistan schedule in India has been confirmed so fingers crossed the boys get their act together!! :)
Wednesday, 13 June 2007
Sunday, 29 April 2007
My Travels through India
I got back last week from my trip to India. I went back to India after 2 years and saw how much she has grown and how much more she needs to grow. Yet I was proud of her achievements. Hyderabad, sadly has taken a few steps back. The ex-hip and happening city, the baby of Chandrababu Naidu is losing its charm. This was the city that received special mention from AB Vajpayee for its cleanliness. The work that Naidu did for several years is fast getting undone. But on the bright side, people are realising what Naidu did right and feel that Congress might be losing votes! So I am rooting for the speedy return of CB Naidu.
I think the most enjoyable part of my visit was the road trip from Hyderabad to Rajahmundry (town by the banks of river Godavari). I saw India in all her glory and I was in awe of her majestic beauty. I saw the numerous fields pass by me. I admired the greenery and the true essence of rural life in India. I also saw a coalmine! I wanted to take a detour and visit the mine, but the idea was hugely unpopular with the rest of my family who wanted to get to the destination sooner. My enthusiasm was undeterred and I gave my family a crash course how coal is mined. I think one of my cousins might have listened for a minute and then tuned out! Oh well their loss....:(
India is one country that foreigners find easy to hate, but those who are spellbound by her find her difficult to forget. I didn’t realize how much I loved India till I left it. It’s amazing how I get worked up about the truth! For instance, if someone came up to me and said India is a dirty and poor country, I get offended. I know it’s the truth yet I get worked up about it and I want to retaliate with a nasty comment like, “we are dirty because we are poor and we are poor because you stole from us for 300 years….”
Some guy at my work said “The Indian team sucks”, I know it sucks but I just hate the truth being shined into my eyes and I hit back with “Well look who are coach is!!”
Of course the comment is now null and void, but at the time it was funny and it felt good to hit back!
But all in all, it was a great trip and as always I was left wanting to spend just a little bit more time in India.
I think the most enjoyable part of my visit was the road trip from Hyderabad to Rajahmundry (town by the banks of river Godavari). I saw India in all her glory and I was in awe of her majestic beauty. I saw the numerous fields pass by me. I admired the greenery and the true essence of rural life in India. I also saw a coalmine! I wanted to take a detour and visit the mine, but the idea was hugely unpopular with the rest of my family who wanted to get to the destination sooner. My enthusiasm was undeterred and I gave my family a crash course how coal is mined. I think one of my cousins might have listened for a minute and then tuned out! Oh well their loss....:(
India is one country that foreigners find easy to hate, but those who are spellbound by her find her difficult to forget. I didn’t realize how much I loved India till I left it. It’s amazing how I get worked up about the truth! For instance, if someone came up to me and said India is a dirty and poor country, I get offended. I know it’s the truth yet I get worked up about it and I want to retaliate with a nasty comment like, “we are dirty because we are poor and we are poor because you stole from us for 300 years….”
Some guy at my work said “The Indian team sucks”, I know it sucks but I just hate the truth being shined into my eyes and I hit back with “Well look who are coach is!!”
Of course the comment is now null and void, but at the time it was funny and it felt good to hit back!
But all in all, it was a great trip and as always I was left wanting to spend just a little bit more time in India.
Tuesday, 3 April 2007
Cabin Baggage Blues...
As I sat at my desk this arvo during lunch, I was pondering on how I can organise my cabin baggage. I know it seems trivial, but I am one of those people who would obsess over the most inconsequential matters, just for the sake of it. I remember the good old days where you didn’t have to think twice before putting lotion in your bag so you can use it on the plane to protect your skin from the cold air conditioner. The days when you could slip in some eye drops in your purse to protect your dry eyes or lenses on long flights.
This of course is a luxury thanks to the myriad of regulations now in place for carrying liquids on cabin baggage.
Up until now the terrorists dictated the way we travel. Now they are dictating how we pack our bags! When will this stop? Will there come a time when they dictate the way we dress to board a flight (well in a way they already to do with shoes)? In a survey done by the US govt they found that most people now feel more threatened by terrorists than they did before 9/11.
I thought about the survey and how the world around us has changed and I thought about the nuisance in airline travel today. I quickly set the thoughts aside to address the more important issue at hand – finding out the updated rules for travel to the Philippines. I contacted my father to give me an update on the cabin baggage situation on flights to Manila. What sucks more than the new rules is getting stuck between the regulations of two different countries. Australia and Philippines have different rules for liquids on cabin baggage. Australia allows liquids in a 20cm X 20cm clear plastic resealable bag containing bottles less than 100ml. Although seems rigid, I am actually glad that they are specific and allow bare essentials. Philippines have banned all liquids on cabin baggage. I would have just kept to the Filipino rules but I have an overnight stopover in Singapore (in context, I want to check my bags through to Manila). I believe that I am fairly flexible but travelling without a toothpaste and deodorant for an overnight journey is pushing the boundaries of personal hygiene. I am extremely grateful that Singapore doesn’t have any rules of its own. Otherwise travel to Manila via Singapore would have been even more arduous.
I remember my flight to London from Sydney a couple of years ago. It was by far the most painful flight I have ever been on, 23 hours with ½ hour stop in Singapore. Can you imagine someone (with BO issues) travelling Sydney – London without a deodorant? I think in such cases toiletries are essential for the welfare of the people in the flight!! :)
So I write down list of everything I need for an overnight stop like finding the smallest toothpaste and deo available in shops, because I would probably have to throw them out after one use. While writing down the list I again thought about simpler times and how we take some comforts for granted.
I find that new rules always frustrate me till I get used to them. I remember when they first introduced the random explosive test. I always questioned how “random” it was since I always got picked out of the line for the test. I remember my parents trip to Australia in 2004 when we got pulled out for the “random” explosive test at every airport on every flight. My father abuses got more and more animated through our travels. Now when I walk to through security I know there is about a 70 – 80% chance I would be pulled for an explosive test. So I just joke about it and think about what it would be like if I was Caucasian.
Moving on, I find out there are rules to even travel from India with regards to cabin baggage. I let out a sigh, complain to a co-worker and mumble some abuse under my breath. I go to the shops to find if they sell any single use products….
This of course is a luxury thanks to the myriad of regulations now in place for carrying liquids on cabin baggage.
Up until now the terrorists dictated the way we travel. Now they are dictating how we pack our bags! When will this stop? Will there come a time when they dictate the way we dress to board a flight (well in a way they already to do with shoes)? In a survey done by the US govt they found that most people now feel more threatened by terrorists than they did before 9/11.
I thought about the survey and how the world around us has changed and I thought about the nuisance in airline travel today. I quickly set the thoughts aside to address the more important issue at hand – finding out the updated rules for travel to the Philippines. I contacted my father to give me an update on the cabin baggage situation on flights to Manila. What sucks more than the new rules is getting stuck between the regulations of two different countries. Australia and Philippines have different rules for liquids on cabin baggage. Australia allows liquids in a 20cm X 20cm clear plastic resealable bag containing bottles less than 100ml. Although seems rigid, I am actually glad that they are specific and allow bare essentials. Philippines have banned all liquids on cabin baggage. I would have just kept to the Filipino rules but I have an overnight stopover in Singapore (in context, I want to check my bags through to Manila). I believe that I am fairly flexible but travelling without a toothpaste and deodorant for an overnight journey is pushing the boundaries of personal hygiene. I am extremely grateful that Singapore doesn’t have any rules of its own. Otherwise travel to Manila via Singapore would have been even more arduous.
I remember my flight to London from Sydney a couple of years ago. It was by far the most painful flight I have ever been on, 23 hours with ½ hour stop in Singapore. Can you imagine someone (with BO issues) travelling Sydney – London without a deodorant? I think in such cases toiletries are essential for the welfare of the people in the flight!! :)
So I write down list of everything I need for an overnight stop like finding the smallest toothpaste and deo available in shops, because I would probably have to throw them out after one use. While writing down the list I again thought about simpler times and how we take some comforts for granted.
I find that new rules always frustrate me till I get used to them. I remember when they first introduced the random explosive test. I always questioned how “random” it was since I always got picked out of the line for the test. I remember my parents trip to Australia in 2004 when we got pulled out for the “random” explosive test at every airport on every flight. My father abuses got more and more animated through our travels. Now when I walk to through security I know there is about a 70 – 80% chance I would be pulled for an explosive test. So I just joke about it and think about what it would be like if I was Caucasian.
Moving on, I find out there are rules to even travel from India with regards to cabin baggage. I let out a sigh, complain to a co-worker and mumble some abuse under my breath. I go to the shops to find if they sell any single use products….
Saturday, 24 March 2007
NUMB
So the worst has happened and the title sufficiently sums up how I am feeling. The 1983 World Champions are technically out of WC 2007 in the first round. They are hanging on a slim hope that Bermuda beats Bangladesh, and even a hopeful Indian fan knows better. I know an Indian fan is unrealistic in their expectations, but that’s only when it comes to India.
The Cricinfo headline apt in pronouncing, “Sri Lanka sinks a billion hopes”. Full credit to Sri Lanka, they played outstanding cricket and deserve to win. Congratulations!
So what went wrong? For starters it seemed like India left their game plan at home. The pitch was prepared to India’s liking and Dravid won the toss. So it came down to how well India played and this time they just didn’t play good cricket. I cannot comprehend how India came to the WC with such poor preparation. Well “Team India” better get ready for a violent backlash because it won’t be a pretty picture when they return.
What does this mean for Indian Cricket? I don’t know! I guess it’s got to a point where I want to say que sera sera….
This WC has lost its charm, at least for me it has. First, Pakistan gets kicked out of the WC, then Bob Woolmer is murdered and finally India is out. It’s a WC without an India vs. Pakistan match. It’s a WC where world cricket lost a great coach. It’s a world cup shadowed by a murder investigation. It’s like the forgettable WC.
On a more positive note…I am looking for a new team to support. Can’t make up my mind between Sri Lanka, West Indies or NZ. Your thoughts?
Sunday, 18 March 2007
India's World Cup HOPES
Hope lies eternal in the human heart. I think this quote should read, "Hope lies eternal in the Indian cricket fan's heart...."
After India's mediocre performance there isn't much left to say! But as an ever-hopeful Indian cricket fan, I still believe (albeit not as strongly) that India has a fighting chance in the World Cup. I knew that I will be looking at the points table, I also knew that we would have our calculators out to plug in the run rates and I was certain I would hope and pray that other teams do badly so India goes through. But I was hoping that all this would happen during the super eights and not after India’s first world cup match.
I believe that winning and losing is a part of the game, but I also believe in putting your best foot forward. I am sad that India lost their first match but I am even sadder that India lost because of what seems like complacency. Bangladesh was never going to be a walk over. They play well and beat any team on their day; they beat Pakistan in the last WC and have since added Australia’s scalp to their growing list of upsets. India should have taken notice when Bangladesh beat NZ in the recent warm up games.
Bangladesh won today because they were better team. But what pinches is that India’s performance was not at par to a world-class cricket team. If this is the best they can play then I guess they shouldn’t be in the super eights.
Sanjay Manjeraker said “India needs a miracle to go through to the super eights” and Dravid exclaimed “we will fight back” and as always the Indian fan is angry yet hopeful. But this time the Indian fan is probably more angry that usual. The Rediff Blog was surprisingly harsh. One Indian fan says the slogan should be changed from “Come on India” to “Come back India”. Another Indian fan is abusing the team, the coach, the captain and finally the board. Some even brought in the corruption and inefficiency in India, questioned democracy and the economy. (Why…because India lost a match to Bangladesh? Hmm interesting how people think). A lone Indian fan in the blog is hopeful that India will go through to the super eights and the semis.
I want to pray, to all my gods but I think people back in India are doing that for me! I reckon nearly a billion prayers should be enough for the Indian cricket players.
The first thing I did after I found out about the Indian cricket team performance was woke my father and I yelled “INDIA LOST TO BANGLADESH” and my father half asleep said…“Excellent….they deserve it!”
Do they? Do they really deserve to be out of the World Cup? Will India be the second biggest upset in this world cup? Will India crash and burn like Pakistan is doing now? What is up with the sub continent teams? Are we too complacent, incompetent, old and rusty, bureaucratic or just indifferent?
Rameez Raja in his comment squarely blames Pakistan’s cricket politics to be the reason for their dismal performance. Is India crippled for the same reasons? Does all India need is fresh blood? I don’t know.
Coming back to the world cup, India needs to fix whatever is broken and fix it fast. All the Indian team needs to do is fix its cricket and know the country is with them, the Indian fan despite all the abuse will still be there in all the cricket matches with their face painted in saffron, white and green cheering them on…
So come on guys we are still with you!! Just get to the super eights and we can take it from there :)
After India's mediocre performance there isn't much left to say! But as an ever-hopeful Indian cricket fan, I still believe (albeit not as strongly) that India has a fighting chance in the World Cup. I knew that I will be looking at the points table, I also knew that we would have our calculators out to plug in the run rates and I was certain I would hope and pray that other teams do badly so India goes through. But I was hoping that all this would happen during the super eights and not after India’s first world cup match.
I believe that winning and losing is a part of the game, but I also believe in putting your best foot forward. I am sad that India lost their first match but I am even sadder that India lost because of what seems like complacency. Bangladesh was never going to be a walk over. They play well and beat any team on their day; they beat Pakistan in the last WC and have since added Australia’s scalp to their growing list of upsets. India should have taken notice when Bangladesh beat NZ in the recent warm up games.
Bangladesh won today because they were better team. But what pinches is that India’s performance was not at par to a world-class cricket team. If this is the best they can play then I guess they shouldn’t be in the super eights.
Sanjay Manjeraker said “India needs a miracle to go through to the super eights” and Dravid exclaimed “we will fight back” and as always the Indian fan is angry yet hopeful. But this time the Indian fan is probably more angry that usual. The Rediff Blog was surprisingly harsh. One Indian fan says the slogan should be changed from “Come on India” to “Come back India”. Another Indian fan is abusing the team, the coach, the captain and finally the board. Some even brought in the corruption and inefficiency in India, questioned democracy and the economy. (Why…because India lost a match to Bangladesh? Hmm interesting how people think). A lone Indian fan in the blog is hopeful that India will go through to the super eights and the semis.
I want to pray, to all my gods but I think people back in India are doing that for me! I reckon nearly a billion prayers should be enough for the Indian cricket players.
The first thing I did after I found out about the Indian cricket team performance was woke my father and I yelled “INDIA LOST TO BANGLADESH” and my father half asleep said…“Excellent….they deserve it!”
Do they? Do they really deserve to be out of the World Cup? Will India be the second biggest upset in this world cup? Will India crash and burn like Pakistan is doing now? What is up with the sub continent teams? Are we too complacent, incompetent, old and rusty, bureaucratic or just indifferent?
Rameez Raja in his comment squarely blames Pakistan’s cricket politics to be the reason for their dismal performance. Is India crippled for the same reasons? Does all India need is fresh blood? I don’t know.
Coming back to the world cup, India needs to fix whatever is broken and fix it fast. All the Indian team needs to do is fix its cricket and know the country is with them, the Indian fan despite all the abuse will still be there in all the cricket matches with their face painted in saffron, white and green cheering them on…
So come on guys we are still with you!! Just get to the super eights and we can take it from there :)
Thursday, 15 February 2007
Conspiracies
I just watching a great show called - Futurama (well not as good as Simpsons) but still good!
Well their take on the 1947 Roswell sightings in New Mexico is that it was the Professor and the crew stuck in a time machine who travelled back time and crash landed in Roswell and left Bender's parts behind. This of course is one of the many theories surrounding Roswell and UFOs and all the other conspiracies. Which of course led me to think why we are obsessed with conspiracies. Why with every event small or big a conspiracy theory is born. For example, the "real truth" behind man walking on the moon and Bermuda triangle and crop circles and the list continues. Of course the flat earth society can NOT be classed as a conspiracy theory...! I will not go there ....
One of the greatest conspiracies of our time is The Da Vinci Code. The best selling book of all time is The Bible and The Da Vinci Code is the 12th best selling book (still going), so see we have conspiracy theories for our religions as well!! Do you believe in The Da Vinci Code? Do you believe in Christianity? Do you believe in religion? Although I enjoyed the book a lot and there is riveting information in the book, I am still not entirely convinced that Jesus Christ is a mortal. I am willing to accept that it is one of the possibilities but i am not going to accept its the only possibility. Why? Perhaps because i refuse to accept that a faith that has kept my mother, grand mother and great grand mother alive all these years is a lie. Well lets just say I have good reasons to believe that its only ONE of the possibilities...
What is also interesting is why humans have this innate need to doubt everything they are told. Guess some of the great innovations of our times have come into being due to doubt and curiosity. But that aside, why do we come up with conspiracy theories? More importantly do conspiracy theories benefit us in any way? If not then why do we come up with them???
Your thoughts?
Well their take on the 1947 Roswell sightings in New Mexico is that it was the Professor and the crew stuck in a time machine who travelled back time and crash landed in Roswell and left Bender's parts behind. This of course is one of the many theories surrounding Roswell and UFOs and all the other conspiracies. Which of course led me to think why we are obsessed with conspiracies. Why with every event small or big a conspiracy theory is born. For example, the "real truth" behind man walking on the moon and Bermuda triangle and crop circles and the list continues. Of course the flat earth society can NOT be classed as a conspiracy theory...! I will not go there ....
One of the greatest conspiracies of our time is The Da Vinci Code. The best selling book of all time is The Bible and The Da Vinci Code is the 12th best selling book (still going), so see we have conspiracy theories for our religions as well!! Do you believe in The Da Vinci Code? Do you believe in Christianity? Do you believe in religion? Although I enjoyed the book a lot and there is riveting information in the book, I am still not entirely convinced that Jesus Christ is a mortal. I am willing to accept that it is one of the possibilities but i am not going to accept its the only possibility. Why? Perhaps because i refuse to accept that a faith that has kept my mother, grand mother and great grand mother alive all these years is a lie. Well lets just say I have good reasons to believe that its only ONE of the possibilities...
What is also interesting is why humans have this innate need to doubt everything they are told. Guess some of the great innovations of our times have come into being due to doubt and curiosity. But that aside, why do we come up with conspiracy theories? More importantly do conspiracy theories benefit us in any way? If not then why do we come up with them???
Your thoughts?
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