The Cricket World Cup hosted by India. How’s that?!
By Mahmood Hossain
The roaring of the crowd surrounding the oval, the pitch bathed by the blistering sun, and 50 overs of chess moves, with brilliant bowling, and bats breaking for fours and sixes. The atmosphere reaches fever-pitch during major tournaments, especially when your favourite players are representing their nations on the world’s biggest stage for cricket. Since this year’s tourney is hosted by India, I’m sure the temperature will be higher than usual at the cricket grounds across the country. And for those of us watching from home? Plenty of pride, sore throats, jubilation, and pure anguish; it’s an entire spectrum of emotions.
Coming off the latest Asia Cup, some teams may be favoured over others to make it to the final stage of World Cup glory. However, and more importantly, the ultimate enjoyment is in the on-pitch action that can create lasting memories of both utter joy and soul-shattering heartbreak. It is within those unforgettable moments that complete the entire sporting experience. So, while we await the upcoming splitting of wickets and spectacular sixer-robbing catches, we asked a few hardcore cricket fans to express their love for the sport and share their most memorable moments.
Harinder Singh, CEO of Bangkok Cricket Association
Who do you support, and who is your current favourite player?
Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli. They are complete cricketers and have the ability to stand against the best bowlers. Also, they are solid at fielding.
What is your favourite memory attached to a Cricket World Cup?
S. Sreesanth taking a catch off Misbahul-Haq in the World Cup Final. Simple and sweet. Not to mention, MS Dhoni, Yuvraj Singh, and team all made great contributions.
What makes the sport of cricket so special to you?
Cricket is a gentleman’s game. I have played for almost 48 years. I’ve built three of my own cricket grounds, and I’ve coached many cricketers in my life. What can I say? Once a cricketer, always a cricketer!
What are your hopes for the upcoming Cricket World Cup 2023?
According to me, it’s simple; if you play well, you can get good results. Obviously, all world-class teams work hard to play in the World Cup and bring glory to their country. However, for me, the Indian cricket team is a complete unit. I expect them to be themselves and perform to the expectations of their supporters.
Arjun Sood, Cluster Director of Sales at Marriott Hotels & Resorts Thailand
Who do you support and who is your current favourite player?
With my DNA, it has to be India! However, I also love the way Australia plays the game. My favourite player is Steve Smith from Australia.
What is your favourite memory attached to a Cricket World Cup?
Herschel Gibbs (South Africa) dropped Steve Waugh (Australia) in the 1999 ICC ODI Cricket World Cup Semi-Finals. After the drop, Waugh told Gibbs that he had just dropped the World Cup and Australia went on to win the finals.
What makes the sport of cricket so special to you?
The joy it sparks and the child-like feeling every time I still hold a bat. I’ve played as a child since my boarding school days, and would sleep with a cricket ball next to my pillow. Needless to say, the sport teaches you lessons in management, teamwork, selflessness, etc.
What are your hopes for the upcoming Cricket World Cup 2023?
I will bet on an Asian team picking up the cup this time. But of course, go Team India!
Salim Pathan, Marketing Professional in Renewable Energy, BayWa r.e. APAC
Who do you support, and who is your current favourite player?
I support Bangladesh of course! My current favourite player is Litton Das. He is great to watch, and has the potential to be a match-winner when his day comes. My all-time favourite players are the great Wasim Akram and Mohammed Ashraful.
What is your favourite memory attached to a Cricket World Cup?
I know you are looking for just one memory, but I must mention two. Bangladesh’s win against mighty Team India in 2007, and against England in 2015. And secondly, a 17-year-old Tamim Iqbal’s down-the-wicket six to Zaheer Khan and Rubel Hossain bowling out Stuart Broad and Jimmy Anderson, will forever be etched in my memory.
What makes the sport of cricket so special to you?
I guess an obvious one is that cricket is the only major sport where we are competing in the Top 10 level. However, I have been watching cricket since 1994, even before Bangladesh was the team of today. I remember going to school with a radio set in my hand and listening to Bangladesh win the 1997 ICC Trophy, which ensured our World Cup participation for the first time. Cricket was a big part of my childhood, and therefore, a part of me.
What are your hopes for the upcoming Cricket World Cup 2023?
If you asked me this question six months back, I would say I am quite confident about a possible semi-final birth for Bangladesh. But recently, with all the drama that unfolded, my hopes and expectations are at rock bottom and we will be lucky to win a couple of matches. Hopefully, a couple of the young players shine and we get something out of this tournament.
Arjun Kumar, Director at Thai Melloni Corporation and Thai Multi Products International
Who do you support, and who is your current favourite player?
Team India! My current favourite player is Virat Kohli. My all-time favourite would be MS Dhoni.
What is your favourite memory attached to a Cricket World Cup?
The 2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, India vs. Pakistan. One of the craziest wins by India over Pakistan. And the unforgettable moment is Virat Kohli hitting those two sixes off Haris Rauf!
What makes the sport of cricket so special to you?
I think it’s just inherent in every Indian, we all love the sport so much! But what’s special to me is how it is a complete team sport, which makes it even more challenging given how the game is about strategically planning and managing your team resources as per the situation in the game. To top that, cricket is just very exciting, especially with T20 cricket, where you have thrilling and nail-biting finishes to a game! Cricket is also very special because of my involvement in the sport. I have played at the school level, at NIST International School, and for the Thailand Under-15 and Under-19 teams. We had great game time at tournaments; we played in countries like Malaysia, Singapore, Pakistan, and Thailand.
What are your hopes for the upcoming Cricket World Cup 2023?
India is definitely the favourite to win. They have the home advantage, and Team India is very strong, with a fiery batting and bowling unit. We have everything in our favour to win this one! All we need are God’s blessings and grace, and it will happen.
