Media reports say that the Cricket World Cup and in particular the final, will go down as one of the most embarrassing days and events in the history of international cricket.
The Herald Sun says that perhaps appropriately, this stinker of a World Cup had the farewell it deserved, adding how match officials could get yesterday’s rain rule wrong an even greater mystery than the death of Bob Woolmer.
The ICC has copped sever criticism from all over the globe for its handling of match-fixing, throwing sagas, the Zimbabwe issue and programming and while none of these had easy solutions yesterday’s mess was simply bewildering.
The Sun Herals adds that what happened yesterday was no fault of cup organisers, but it was a bad ending to a poor tournament and it will be a surprise if the World Cup ever returns to the Caribbean.
All the fears of organisers about the logistical dramas of having a tournament on nine islands were realised, with poor and over-priced hotels and delayed plane flights.
The delay between games gave the tournament no pulse and the quality of teams was poor.
Australia was magnificent. Sri Lanka was honourable. New Zealand was passable. South Africa was hot and cold.
The rest were rubbish and produced B-grade fare.
The food at most hotels has been second-rate.
Ticket prices have kept locals away from matches and hyped-up security forces have been so officious that yesterday a group of Australian journalists was searched going OUT of the ground.
Redeeming features have included the enthusiasm of local volunteers, high-class wickets and some lavish new venues.
And the fact that the best team won.
The cup has been in existence for 32 years and if it is played for another 100 it may never see a side dominate this showcase event as Ricky Ponting’s men have.
The event though is a lesson for event and tournament organisers everywhere on how to get it so wrong and how getting it wrong can negate all the positives that events are supposed to bring to a destination.
Report by The Mole
