posted Dec 6, 2008

sports host...I understand where you are coming from but in recent tragic times the two have been come entwined and the politics of the BCCI a major worry for those of us who believe the BCCI is playing politics big time and the wider implications of the attacks symptomatic of a desperately tragic region which isnt really interested in cricket at a time when the BCCI is trying to take over ODI cricket

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posted Dec 6, 2008

SB

You have a far better picture of what is going on in India than I do

I do think the saving England tour was at many levels

1. It is agreat diversion to an angry public

2. Give the Govt and other time to calmly investigate

3. At some level I suppose there are some altruistic values of 'the show must go on' and 'cricket is above all this' but that may just be the moral justification

4. The sub text is IPL - this is huge enterprise and I doubt this can be duplicated in other countries to the same degree - if IPL goes more than the BCCI and franchises the players suffer - would David Hussey in any form of the game have earned $400K - this is a quantum leap for player remuneration for relatively little effort - and there lies the risk -reward

5. England players are proud to play for the Country etc, but they are also human and would be upset at missing out on such paydays - a sportsman's earning capacity is much shorter than in other professions

6. There may or may not have been inducements but it is clear England players were missed in IPl and some will command substantial contracts - is it therefore wrong for them to weigh risk and reward and go ahead? Not in my book, it is a personal decision and I am very impressed they stuck as a group and took a collective decision. Of course if the security guy comes back and say it is still unsafe, then no point in taking undue risk

And Pearl you are right to the extent I think cricket more than any other sport tracks the history, politics and social mores of nations

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posted Dec 6, 2008

"The very fact (as and when and if they decide to) that England could return to India... Maradonna was almost in tears at the reception he recieved in India today, he was overwhelmed and confessed his ignorance of this region when the region sees him like a football god...India acknowledges in its own way sincerely."

well said SB

I am absolutely sure that England players would have taken into account that cricket is appreciated so much in this part of the world as they must be sick of being second class citizens to Football in the UK

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posted Dec 6, 2008

I respectfully disagree on many points MP.

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posted Dec 6, 2008

Ha Ha

Touche SB!

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posted Dec 6, 2008

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posted Dec 6, 2008

By the way, MP, Miss UK too, besides Maradona, is here in Mumbai, India, and she says she's comfortable working in India.

So guess some Indian/Indians somewhere are trying their best to provide a sense of safety, security and comfort while offering encouragement.

I'm sure some of the same could be seen in the cricket stadia if and when the England team decide to tour. There should be plenty of appreciative people.

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posted Dec 6, 2008

England prepared for India series according to Paul Collingwood.

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posted Dec 7, 2008

Amjad Khan and Rashid called up as cover as Harmision and Flintoff are still not fully convinced according to Moores

I do not see why Moores had to leak specific names

This is a private personal decision in the confines of the dressing room as the reason England came to Abu Dhabi as a full squad may be the reason they go back to UK if they are going by a unanimous decision

I really hope Freddie and Harmy decide to tour for if they say no, the tour may be off


And is Miss UK hot?

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posted Dec 7, 2008

She's a kid MP...if one had a daughter she'd probably be her age!

She's a charming lady.

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