Is the 2019 Cricket World Cup the worst World Cup ever?

[Itachi]

To cover the whole ground, it will need a lot of ground staff. A BBC article has pointed out that, it isn't feasible for the sheer amount of labor that will require to cover the ground.
Which brings this question. Can't ICC or ECB or the local organizer can't employ 20 or 30 people (which should be more than enough) for almost 2 months? How much over budget it can be?

What is the daily wage of a worker in this section in UK?

 

[Robert]

It's been terrible. So many wash outs.

Imagine if India-Pakistan gets washed out.

So what?

 

[Ab Fan]

Not the best of the tournaments I will say, but I liked the fact that all teams were playing each other in league games before we go to semis.

 

[MMHS]

Some good observation on the BD vs NZ game. I forgot about that close call of Santer LBW. In replay, they showed the ball was just pitching outside leg. NZ would been 222-8 at that stage. Also, there was a chance to run out Neesham at 164-5. Neesham was just barely starting his innings. All these marginal events/call is really hurting Bangladesh [MENTION=79064]MMHS[/MENTION]


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Part of the game - we are new in it so few moments will go against, but over a longer period, say 50 years these things balances out. Those 2 points could have been vital, but still boys can make a great WC for them.

 

[BunnyRabbit]

The thing that rain has not just spoiled games but cancelled them has been an extremely big outlier. With teams getting 1 point even before the toss is pretty irritating. With 10 teams to make it "more competetive", it is only going to randomly favor a few teams and hurt a few without any logic. In such format, every match should be forced to get a result whether by hook or crook. Reserve days should be in hell even if are forced to play indoor cricket then so be it. Format wise and no. of teams wise, this WC is probably the worst advertisement for cricket.

However saying that, 2007 and 2015 were worse in terms of quality difference and scheduling. 2007 was extremely long and time zones made it inconvenient for Asian teams atleast. Plus the 4 team pools was idiotic tbh. 1 bad game and you're out of the super 8s. Australia was way too dominant for other teams to stand a chance. Pak and India's early exit made it less competitive further.

2015 was also not good enough IMO as a Pakistani fan.Not because our team was weak but the fact that only a few teams get the opportunity to play in Aus on consistent basis regularly. India, NZ and SA are the frequent travelers there only. Teams like Bangladesh, Pak, Zimb, Ireland, SL and WI don't get enough fixtures there to get the same amount of familiarity as do the others. Pak last played in Aus 4 years before 2015 WC, Bangladesh probably played even lesser cricket in Aus than us. WI doesn't get much cricket there either. I remember in the CB series or whatever, the longest tri series IMO, would frequently have India, SA, SL and NZ in it. WI and Pak only got to play it way back in 2005. and England in 2007 i think. Plus, players from other nations don't get to play in BBL or FC in Aus or NZ much either. BBL only has 2 overseas players per team i think and they even sometimes go without an overseas player.
Time zones were a problem for Asian fans as well. NZ got to play all the fixtures in NZ before the final, and Aus got to play all the fixtures in Aus except that group match against NZ where both visiting teams lost. NZ looked like fish out of water in the final in unfamiliar conditions.

The idea of joint hosting is not worth it IMO, and should only be given to one country and be rotated for every WC. England IMO is still the best venue for the WC as it makes time zones a bit feasible for all the fans(Don't have any idea about Aus or NZ though), A lot of players from other nations frequently play in county or natwest t20 every year, plus the 16 or 18 county teams offers more opportunities for foreign players, so even without any series, it gives a bit better sense of familiarity to other teams plus the vast amount of club cricket foreign players get to play in Eng. A sort of home away from home feeling for majority of nations is also there as well due to increased no of expats in UK.

The reason this tournament has been so poor is probably more down to scheduling and traffic. There is domestic cricket going on as well, there is Ashes right after the WC, plus there has been very few matches in the most prestigious and famous stadia of England till now. Lord's, The Oval, Trent Bridge, Edgbaston, Cardiff, Headingley should have hosted more WC fixtures. Plus rain hasn't made it easier either. It's been more of a mismanagement and scheduling problems rather than just rain IMO.

 

[MachoKhan]

Doesn't feel like there is a world cup tbh. Its like out of nowhere it started. Clearly lacks vibe.

 

[Captain caveman]

I have been waiting eagerly for years for this wc, but now i just am not that bothered. Too many games have been ruined by the rain
Sundays marquee match between india and pak will also be abandoned halve way through, judging by weather reports. So thats our wc virtually over(not that we would have beaten india anyway).
I will probably watch the rest of paks games and probably the final, if they are not washed out!
But this has been a horrible wc, no ones fault but the weather!

 

[Usergame]

99 and 03 were terrible with the awful super 6's format. Ruined both tournaments. 99 was only saved by the aus vs sa semifinal meltdown by sa.
The games that been played so far has been much higher quality.

2011 was probably the worst in terms of quality given an awful NZ team almost made the Final.

 

[Usergame]

Add NZ. Their fixture was so easy. Only challenging game got washed out. They also couldve lost to BD but lucked out on that occasion.

Lol at "lucked out". NZ almost had a blip but clearly the better team. Bangladesh were very lucky with the taylor wicket or it would have been a easy 6 wicket win for NZ. Nothing to do with luck.

 

[Aman]

Add NZ. Their fixture was so easy. Only challenging game got washed out. They also couldve lost to BD but lucked out on that occasion.

Give it a rest, you got smashed.

The only reason it got close was because of NZ wanting to increase their NRR>

 

[Aman]

Some good observation on the BD vs NZ game. I forgot about that close call of Santer LBW. In replay, they showed the ball was just pitching outside leg. NZ would been 222-8 at that stage. Also, there was a chance to run out Neesham at 164-5. Neesham was just barely starting his innings. All these marginal events/call is really hurting Bangladesh [MENTION=79064]MMHS[/MENTION]


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Do you know the rules of cricket? You're showing the frame where the bail hasn't even been dislodged as evidence of incorrect decision.

Get a grip

You Bangladesh fans are so delusional.

 

[Aman]

Lol at "lucked out". NZ almost had a blip but clearly the better team. Bangladesh were very lucky with the taylor wicket or it would have been a easy 6 wicket win for NZ. Nothing to do with luck.

Literally all their wickets from 3 onwards came from players trying to finish the game and improve the NRR.

We did the same thing against Scotland in the 2015 WC and ended up being 7 down. It was worth it in the end because of NRR.

 

[big_gamer007]

75 - first world cup ever always memorable.
79 - The dominance of WI, Viv Richards innings in final.
83 - David Vs Goliath.
87 - don't know much about it maybe someone else can talk about this one.
92 - Pakistan comeback, imranks cornered tiger speech and Wasims spell. Miandad mocking more also for funny bit.
96 - sanath and kaluwitharna changing cricket forever, WI demise, Venkatesh Vs Aamir Sohail. Jadeja Vs Waqar. Kambli crying.
99 - Lance klusener, herchelle Gibbs drop catch, the most infamous runout in cricket history. BD defeating pakistan
2003 - Australian dominance. India's comeback to reach finals.
2007 - sad demise of Bob woolmer, India and Pakistan crashing out.
2011 - sachins dream come true, MSD six to win the final, Ireland chasing 330+, Mohali semi final biggest game ever between India and Pakistan. Yuvi's all round brilliance
2015 - New Zealand's blistering start, SA Vs NZ and Dale Steyns beating in semis, Mitchel starc destruction, Smith's innings.
2019 - So far on positive side only comeback of WI fast bowling. Rest of the tournament has been a disaster because of bad scheduling, bad umpiring, bails not getting dislodged, and worst of all so many important matches being washed out and would be washed out.

If the weather becomes better some memorable cricket needs to be played for fans to remember this world cup for the positives and not negatives.

So far there hasn't been any memorable moments to remember this world cup. Most memorable thing is rain let's see if that changes or not.

 

[Hasan2K8]

Lord’s Cricket Ground. Probably Knew early on there’ll be rain, always likely. So let’s hold our matches later on in the world cup where the weather will be fine and no lose of any profits.

 

[James]

Its been a disaster. This has been the worst sporting event I have followed in decades. Its already ruined with games now being called off everyday. Pakistan-Australia looks shoddy as well. Absolutely ridiculous, so many careers riding on it and teams might end up being knocked without even getting a proper chance.

I think that's a bit of an exaggeration. There are still stacks of group games left. And I can't picture a scenario wherein the semi-finals features anything other than the four best teams.

 

[Itachi]

I think that's a bit of an exaggeration. There are still stacks of group games left. And I can't picture a scenario wherein the semi-finals features anything other than the four best teams.

I believe its not the weather that's bothering the fans. Rather the lack of steps taken by the organizers to ensure some amount of play. The organizers are incompetent.

 

[Pakpak]

I think that's a bit of an exaggeration. There are still stacks of group games left. And I can't picture a scenario wherein the semi-finals features anything other than the four best teams.

In Ct2013, 4 matches were severely affected by rain with SA getting knocked out and the final itself being a joke of a 20 over affair. In CT2017 again, 5 out of 15 games were rain affected, 2 being washouts and with Australia being knocked out due to rain. This WC has been a massive joke as it is with teams being certain to be affected by the games they have missed. There is no way anything should be held in England again unless there are reserve days.

I don't know what scenarios you're on about. In this WC already Pakistan, who are gabrage as it is, missed out on a win vs Lanka. Something which can haunt as we are not beating India or NZ.

 

[Robert]

I think this WC is great fun.

 

[Itachi]

A team officially lodging complaint about the pitches. This wc will surely be a memorable.... Perhaps not for the right reasons.

 

[Kianig89]

Not the best of WC 92 onwards every WC was better than this one except 07

 

[cricguru]

One sided matches, many wash out matches and no reserve day is the highlight of 2019 WC so far !!!

Sad but true title says all. This world cup we have so far witness one sided matches, too many wash outs and no reserve days as highlight of this much awaited tournament and this bad taste may leave whole event pointless if this trends continued. I am glad even though Pakistan is verge of knockout due to some unexpected scenario but has still brought some spice in two WC matches (vs England and vs Australia)

@ ICC how can we avoid such problems in future ICC grand tournament

Some suggestions.

Invest in full ground covers for each ground. India did for World T20 matches around $100K for each ground.

Ban stadiums with poor drainage

Offer reserve days for each WC match

Use neutral pitches that doesn't get manipulated with overcast conditions with bat and ball (fast/spin) friendly so toss should really doesn't matter


Back to 12 teams WC format, two groups, and top 8 plays super eight matches. Followed by semis and final


and many more, please add your thoughts I am looking for more ideas to discuss here.

 

[jnaveen1980]

True very few good matches. Less than 5. Also atmosphere sucks. world T20 in SA was such a spectacle. The noise, energy level was outstanding.

 

[PakLFC]

Rain will spoil many more matches as well. Fans seem to be losing interest in the competition no thanks to the weather.

 

[zarar]

It’s so difficult managing 1 reserve day and you want the ICC to organise them for every game?

Think about it. A reserve day also means having to play your next fixture earlier. It messes up the entire schedule, Fixtures could clash also. They have to come up with stadiums that can close the roof but weather affects a lot of things in Cricket too so it’s hard to come up with the best solution.

 

[cricguru]

How is the weather in England in August and Sept ? Wonder if it is better to hold such event near end of summer ?

 

[Tintin_FTW]

Well in the last World Cup there were like 4 good games so this World Cup has already improved on that.

 

[Aman]

This WC has been a disaster.

Probably the worst one I've seen in my lifetime.

Well in the last World Cup there were like 4 good games so this World Cup has already improved on that.

NZ vs Aus and NZ vs SA are far better than anything we've seen in this WC. Honestly, the teams in 2015 were stronger too.

 

[shailee]

But now NewZeland is a crap team.

 

[hur rizvi]

Most pathetic World Cup ever

This farce has left 2007 far behind

 

[Tintin_FTW]

This WC has been a disaster.

Probably the worst one I've seen in my lifetime.

NZ vs Aus and NZ vs SA are far better than anything we've seen in this WC. Honestly, the teams in 2015 were stronger too.

For starters, the NZ vs SA game was a semi-final and we haven't gotten to that point yet and whilst NZ vs Aus game was good, it literally had no impact on the tournament. The game meant absolutely nothing in terms of the outcome of the tournament as both teams were basically already through to the playoffs and both teams had easy quarterfinals and Australia ended up winning the tournament anyway. Imagine trying to debunk my point by saying that the last WC had 2 good games, embarrassing.

 

[Tintin_FTW]

The teams were better in 2015? Scotland were bad, Afghanistan were bad, UAE were bad, England were bad, Zimbabwe were bad, West Indies were bad, Bangladesh were meh, Ireland were meh, Pakistan were meh, Sri lanka were meh.

 

[James]

I’m enjoying the tournament.

Even if you’re in the glass half empty brigade, at least wait until it’s all said and done before making your final judgment. There are still 30 matches left lol.

Or, if it’s really making you that miserable, you could always just change the channel and watch something else.

 

[PakWarrior]

I’m enjoying the tournament.

Even if you’re in the glass half empty brigade, at least wait until it’s all said and done before making your final judgment. There are still 30 matches left lol.

Or, if it’s really making you that miserable, you could always just change the channel and watch something else.

James,

For the next two weeks there is constant rain in the UK with most of the games likely to be abandoned.

Nothing left to enjoy.

 

[hur rizvi]

I’m enjoying the tournament.

Even if you’re in the glass half empty brigade, at least wait until it’s all said and done before making your final judgment. There are still 30 matches left lol.

Or, if it’s really making you that miserable, you could always just change the channel and watch something else.

Man, you must love rain

 

[James]

James,

For the next two weeks there is constant rain in the UK with most of the games likely to be abandoned.

Nothing left to enjoy.

Not according to the forecasts I’ve looked at - there will be some sunny showers about on different days, but varying up and down the country, and nothing too bad really.

Remember that sunny showers means showers and sun - so games may be interrupted, as they have at many a tournament, but still completed fairly.

Forecasts change all the time anyway - they are hardly guaranteed - they are called forecasts for a reason.

The doom-mongers were writing off the Friday and Saturday games ahead of schedule as well, but yesterday went ahead; also London is sunny today, and Cardiff is set to have a dry afternoon & evening if the start time gets pushed back.

Just be patient and let things unfold a bit. There are 30 matches left to play, and with some enjoyable games already in the bag, we’re already being treated to a bizarre surge of historical revisionism about previous tournaments - 2015 for example was widely agreed upon at the time as a mostly forgettable car crash, yet apparently the 2 good games in that one now already make it better than the 40% completed 2019 edition.... apparently there are no limits to human stupidity.

Honestly you’d think the four horsemen of the apocalypse were currently sweeping across the UK, the way some people are going on in this thread lol.

 

[Robert]

Use neutral pitches that doesn't get manipulated with overcast conditions with bat and ball (fast/spin) friendly so toss should really doesn't matter

That doesn’t make any sense. You are saying that soil and grass should have some sort of effect on the sky.

Back to 12 teams WC format, two groups, and top 8 plays super eight matches. Followed by semis and final

But it is so much better that every team plays every other team! This is the best format so far. The only problem has been the unseasonal heavy rain in the last week.

 

[Robert]

James,

For the next two weeks there is constant rain in the UK with most of the games likely to be abandoned.

Nothing left to enjoy.

Bright blue skies today.

 

[Aman]

For starters, the NZ vs SA game was a semi-final and we haven't gotten to that point yet and whilst NZ vs Aus game was good, it literally had no impact on the tournament. The game meant absolutely nothing in terms of the outcome of the tournament as both teams were basically already through to the playoffs and both teams had easy quarterfinals and Australia ended up winning the tournament anyway. Imagine trying to debunk my point by saying that the last WC had 2 good games, embarrassing.

This WC has had zero great WC matches and second week in 4 games have been rained out.

This format is conducive to the best cricket but we haven't gotten it. 10 teams and the best teams playing each other atleast once, yer everyone is talking about how bad this WC has been.

 

[Aman]

Also, that game against Aus was for first place in the group and made the route to the Final a lot easier. So atleast get your facts right before you post mount an ignorant argument.

 

[Madplayer]

Only Pakistan has produced exciting matches in this world cup so far. Apart from that WI match. Rest have been one sided generally.

 

[Aman]

Only Pakistan has produced exciting matches in this world cup so far. Apart from that WI match. Rest have been one sided generally.

Was that match against Aus really exciting, Aus were firm favorites to win on most betting sites before I went to sleep. And you lost by 50 runs IiRC.

 

[shokz1408]

The worst. Too much rain, washouts, thus lack of opportunity for teams to get 2 points. Hardly feels like a world cup is happening tbh.

 

[amvbfm]

Still not as bad as the torture that was 2007 but certainly the second worst despite having good quality cricket when there has been any.

 

[Aman]

The worst. Too much rain, washouts, thus lack of opportunity for teams to get 2 points. Hardly feels like a world cup is happening tbh.

THIS.

It doesn't feel like a WC is going on, the tournament has had no moments or momentum.

 

[Bhaijaan]

England has always been a great place to play cricket and especially when it comes to global tournaments but I must say the weather so far has ruined quite a bit of joy. We have lost out on 4 games already and we are not even half way through.

Having said that u still believe the points table accurately reflects the standing of most teams. The top 4 as of now seem the best teams.

India, NZ, said, England have looked he most balanced teams so far and they have played the best cricket. So rain has not been able to ruin chances of genuine contenders so far.

West Indies and Pakistan would have to pull up their socks and fight back big time to get into the semis. They are still in the hunt surely, all teams are in fact. Theoretically no one is out yet.

 

[Executioner]

What could have been the best world cup ever is already the worst ever

Now now guys, don't jump the gun. I am an anti-ten team format guy. I have been critical of the format but I would not particularly blame them but hey lets look at where the worry with the current scenario:

1) No real upsets: Perhaps the closest thing to an upset in this tournament was Pakistan and England match. Pakistan was sensational and the 6th ranked side beating the 1st ranked side in their home conditions. Not really a real upset then again. But apart from that there really aren't any "unexpected" result. So in 25 matches there has been a grand total of 1 upset.

2) One sided affairs: The purpose of the 10-team format was to have closer games but it turns out too many one sided matches. Only a few matches went to the last 5 overs and only one went to the final over.

3) Rain: 4 washouts. And washouts were during key matches. BD and Pakistan needed to win vs SL. But both had their matches washed out. WI-SA was an important match too, but that too was washed out. NZ-India match as well.

HOWEVER ALL THESE AREN'T AS SIGNIFICANT AS THE FOLLOWING:

4) The final four is almost confirmed already especially if Australia win tomorrow. I know the real excitement about this world cup was due to having a very competitive tournament with incredible context but it seems like THERE WILL BE ONLY DEAD RUBBERS in the 4th quarter of the tournament. Rain had a big role to play here tbh. But usually the thing about the final stages of the round robin is the incredible excitement of who goes through and who doesn't but seems like it won't be there.

The only good thing about this world cup is the crowd turnout.England being a multicultural country helps but thats its. Its a rubbish tournament so far.

I really wanted SA to win today because that would make it more interesting as it would make NZ drop points and SA still be in the race. But hey, it didnt happen. WI, Pak both had a golden chance to beat Australia they didnt. BD could have beated NZ but they failed.

People complain about the 2007 WC but the tournament had cliffhangers, intense competition and UPSETS. But if you think that world cup was worse than this world cup, then I am sorry to say your absolutely delusional.

 

[Executioner]

I would really love to see Bangladesh, WI and Pakistan to win as many games as possible from here onwards. Would make the competition interesting but that still seems a bit farfetched

 

[Hasan123]

The format should be different but I would still back these current 4 to get into the semis in say a 12 team format as long as they weren't in the same group.

They are the best 4 teams in the worlds.


Instead of complaining about the format give credit to the 4 who will get through for showing the consistency to win the games.

 

[Executioner]

The format should be different but I would still back these current 4 to get into the semis in say a 12 team format as long as they weren't in the same group.

They are the best 4 teams in the worlds.


Instead of complaining about the format give credit to the 4 who will get through for showing the consistency to win the games.

No doubt but tbh the washouts didn't help WI, Pak and BD's cause even the slightest

 

[Hasan123]

No doubt but tbh the washouts didn't help WI, Pak and BD's cause even the slightest

NZ could have beaten india , South Africa could have beaten West Indies as well. Washouts didn't help but the best 4 teams usually get through in most WCs. Maybe 1 surprise out 4 in some years.

 

[Hasan2K8]

Everyone should make dua Bangladesh beats the arrogant Aussies tomorrow. Then the tournament will still be alive for many other teams too. Lets all drag down the aussies.

Suppose BD beats Aus tomorrow. Then Eng, NZ, beats Aus. Aus might not make it to top 4!

 

[marlonbrowndo]

It’s been a great World Cup tbh. Best since 99

 

[Markhor]

There have been some tense and close matches, more so than the awful 2015 WC which was full of one sided affairs. But I take [MENTION=130260]Executioner[/MENTION]'s point - there are lots of dead rubbers heading our way with the top four looking established already.

I have said for years now, the fairest and most condensed format would be two groups of six with the top two reaching the SFs. Just like the 1996 format which was done in a month but with QFs cut out.

You could've utilised the warmest period in England of mid-June to mid-July, and the Ashes would still be on time.

 

[Executioner]

NZ could have beaten india , South Africa could have beaten West Indies as well. Washouts didn't help but the best 4 teams usually get through in most WCs. Maybe 1 surprise out 4 in some years.

I would honestly back India to beat NZ. India are absolutely professional and well prepared when it matters. And WI had SA at 29-2.

Anyways, washouts aren't the only factor but yes an important catalyst

 

[Executioner]

There have been some tense and close matches, more so than the awful 2015 WC which was full of one sided affairs. But I take [MENTION=130260]Executioner[/MENTION]'s point - there are lots of dead rubbers heading our way with the top four looking established already.

I have said for years now, the fairest and most condensed format would be two groups of six with the top two reaching the SFs. Just like the 1996 format which was done in a month but with QFs cut out.

You could've utilised the warmest period in England of mid-June to mid-July, and the Ashes would still be on time.

Thing is this tournament has had many one sided encounters too between top teams.

And the real charm of world cups is how things get so tight at the end of the group stages but it seems like there will be none of that.

 

[JaDed]

This world cup format is similar to NBA NHL , teams really need to consistently play well, im all for best of 3 in semis and finals as well!

Clear winner would be decided on those lines, love the format hate the host country

 

[Bangladesh_Fan]

The Bangladesh-Australia game tomorrow will decide if it is one of the worst or one of the best because no fans will like half the world cup to be filled with dead rubber matches with little consequence which will happen if the top 4 gets cemented

 

[shokz1408]

Still doesn't feel like a world cup. Every world cup ive watched since 2003 had a world cup feel, this one is so dead. Just feels like a whole lot of meaningless matches being played.

 

[Mueez]

Still doesn't feel like a world cup. Every world cup ive watched since 2003 had a world cup feel, this one is so dead. Just feels like a whole lot of meaningless matches being played.

Exactly this.

It is a WC but it doesn’t feel like a WC.

 

[Abdulm123]

Worst world cup ever?!!?!! have you guys already forgotten about the 2015 and 2007 editions? these posts make me cringe, I agree that the rain killed the momentum of the cup a bit but overall, this has been a super entertaining cup. The rain might have been bad for the tournament but that was only the beginning of the 2nd part of the cup, it wasnt the most crucial time for a washout. If we had washouts at this part of the world cup I would have been disappointed but jumping the gun saying this is the WORST WC EVER??!! you guys are out of your minds. The matches have been entertaining so far and there might have not been alot of upsets but there have been alot of close games like India vs SA, Aus vs WI, Pak vs Eng, Bangladesh vs NZ, NZ vs Sa, I can name much more but there is still much more to come like potential upsets and there can also be potential qualifier matches. Also excluding Afghanistan and Pakistan, there has not been a lot of one sided matches. Maybe if the top 4 win a few more matches then I would say this was a dead rubber tournament but you guys are jumping the gun. There is more to come. The tournament might still be alive. These matches get more entertaining as the cup goes on. Just sit back, grab a drink, and relax and watch and enjoy the wc instead of worrying about if this is a boring tournament or not. Just enjoy the experience. Plot twists are about to come this wc. Also the crowds have been an absolute joy to watch. Makes me happy that the game is still well alive and still has potential. This is the best format, the top 4 might seem set but there is still more to come. Only hardcore pessimists and ******** fans of associate teams would think this was a boring and bad format. Better then the group stage and super six ** we had to go through, those were some dark times (excluding 2011).

 

[dildilpak]

Not just the rain, this format also kills the excitement. Barely halfway through the matches & already the 4 semifinalists are almost finalized barring any major upset. SA knocked out, PKistan almost gone. Would have preferred more knockouts TBH

 

[Markhor]

Thing is this tournament has had many one sided encounters too between top teams.

And the real charm of world cups is how things get so tight at the end of the group stages but it seems like there will be none of that.

Then we're onto a broader philosophical point of these World Cups reflecting a long term trend of cricket becoming increasingly unequal, and reflecting financial disparities between top and bottom nations which is probably worth a separate discussion.

Let's be honest, this uncompetitiveness is down to the long term decline of Pakistan, Sri Lanka and West Indies whose cricket governance has been appalling, while South Africa's decline is more to do with economic mismanagement leading to an exodus of players via Kolpak.

In today's sport, if you don't have a systemic approach to success and are reliant on star individuals your success will be short term. If your cricket infrastructure at grassroots is weak, like Pakistan, Sri Lanka and West Indies, you will struggle.

That's why ICC, if they were a properly functioning body, should suspend or throw out Full Member states who cannot get their affairs in order and whose heads are political appointees. Did you know in Sri Lanka, their Minister of Sports must by law approve EVERY squad selection ?! No wonder they're a mess !

 

[ar2020]

1999 and 2003 were only good World Cups.

 

[Abdulm123]

Not just the rain, this format also kills the excitement. Barely halfway through the matches & already the 4 semifinalists are almost finalized barring any major upset. SA knocked out, PKistan almost gone. Would have preferred more knockouts TBH

The excitement of tight and pressure matches are going to start tommorow with Bangladesh beating Australia, Australia and NZ have only been playing pathetic teams so far you gotta remember that. Partially the same for India as well. The rain might have killed the excitement a bit because we all have to admit that the rain set up all these rubber matches but there has been a lot of close matches so far. definition of Rubber is 2015 world cup

 

[JaDed]

1999 and 2003 were only good World Cups.

2011 was epic so
Many close encounters..

 

[Donal Cozzie]

There have been some tense and close matches, more so than the awful 2015 WC which was full of one sided affairs. But I take [MENTION=130260]Executioner[/MENTION]'s point - there are lots of dead rubbers heading our way with the top four looking established already.

I have said for years now, the fairest and most condensed format would be two groups of six with the top two reaching the SFs. Just like the 1996 format which was done in a month but with QFs cut out.

You could've utilised the warmest period in England of mid-June to mid-July, and the Ashes would still be on time.

The thing people so often ignore is that the most one sided games of 2015 were the ones between the "established" sides. Obviously Ireland and Scotland and co had a few hammerings themselves, but off the top of my head Eng vs NZ, Eng vs SL, BD vs SL, Ind vs SA, Ind vs Pak, Pak vs WI, Aus vs SL, NZ vs SL, Ind vs WI , NZ vs WI, SA vs SL,, NZ vs Aus and probably more that were all very very dull, one sided games.

Its totally fine to criticise 2015 for it fwiw, my opinion on it is that as far as WC's go it was fairly dull, livened up by a classic semi final, but this nonsense view that the Associates caused that tournament to be dull is totally wrong. And I know you've not said that, but I see that point reiterated so often its nauseating.

For a WC to be proper exciting it needs more sides involved for the medium tier sides to play against. The WCQ showed they produce some cracking games when they do. Time and again, whether it be 2011, 2015 or 2019, we see the gap between the Top 4 FULL MEMBER'S (not "minnows") and the others is massive.

This tournament has had just as many one sided games lets be honest.

 

[BDfanforever]

They need an qualifier and eliminator. That would make for best format.

 

[Donal Cozzie]

Depends on what metric,

From a quality perspective, no way. There have been a few decent games and to the ICC's immense credit, and my surprise, the pitches have been excellent and varied, being way way more conducive to entertaining cricket.

Unfortunately the format has rendered the next two weeks, if Aus win tomorrow, completely meaningless for the bottom 6 sides (and it'll remain meaningless for the bottom 5 regardless of tomorrow's game).

In short, pitches been great, actual competitiveness been poor, format is awful.

How this tournament will be remembered will depend on the knock outs. If the semi finals are good plus final it'll probably be remembered fondly, if they are dull and or washed out it'll probably be remembered in a similar vein to 2007.

2011 is the best WC of my lifetime (2007-2019). 2007 was awfully managed, 2011 was fantastic, 2015 dull and this so far imo has also been very very poor, particularly for how much its damaged the game, which not even 2007 did (Ireland wouldnt be a FM if not for that, and I wouldnt be here writing my nonsense right now).

 

[BDfanforever]

Wasnt 2011 the year where Ire chased the highest ever against Eng?

 

[Abdulm123]

2011 was epic so
Many close encounters..

Agreed, but the matches Pakistan played were mostly pathetic one sided matches vs minnows like Zimbabwe and Kenya and us getting thrashed by NZ. Our team was so pathetic we had to put up a fight and struggle to the core to beat Canada. Most people in the world dont even know thats a country!! or just that no one cares about Canada. The Pak vs SL match was pretty good also. I dont even know how we managed to make the semis. We couldnt chase 261 against Indian trundlers and overrated Zaheer Khan

 

[Abdulm123]

Depends on what metric,

From a quality perspective, no way. There have been a few decent games and to the ICC's immense credit, and my surprise, the pitches have been excellent and varied, being way way more conducive to entertaining cricket.

Unfortunately the format has rendered the next two weeks, if Aus win tomorrow, completely meaningless for the bottom 6 sides (and it'll remain meaningless for the bottom 5 regardless of tomorrow's game).

In short, pitches been great, actual competitiveness been poor, format is awful.

How this tournament will be remembered will depend on the knock outs. If the semi finals are good plus final it'll probably be remembered fondly, if they are dull and or washed out it'll probably be remembered in a similar vein to 2007.

2011 is the best WC of my lifetime (2007-2019). 2007 was awfully managed, 2011 was fantastic, 2015 dull and this so far imo has also been very very poor, particularly for how much its damaged the game, which not even 2007 did (Ireland wouldnt be a FM if not for that, and I wouldnt be here writing my nonsense right now).

Disagree, better then the super sixes and group stage crap. Doesn't prove how good a team is when grouped with pathetic and minnow countries most people have never heard of in their lifetimes. If a team like Pakistan`s 2011 or 2015 world cup squad made it to the knockouts you know those are crappy formats which prove nothing what so ever compared to the round robin.

 

[light]

The way things are going, by the end of this week, most game might end up being dead rubber and the 4 semi finalists will be sealed. If BD wins against AUS tomorrow, some spark may ignite and possibilities may be created. Had SA won today, would have been better for the tournament.

 

[JaDed]

Agreed, but the matches Pakistan played were mostly pathetic one sided matches vs minnows like Zimbabwe and Kenya and us getting thrashed by NZ. Our team was so pathetic we had to put up a fight and struggle to the core to beat Canada. Most people in the world dont even know thats a country!! or just that no one cares about Canada. The Pak vs SL match was pretty good also. I dont even know how we managed to make the semis. We couldnt chase 261 against Indian trundlers and overrated Zaheer Khan

Zaheer was the highest wicket taker than tournament along with Lala , Pak rchd coz SC spin friendly conditions with Ajmal in the play, lets not forget chasing in WC semis that too in India against India who weren't underdogs.. was always gonna be difficult..

 

[James]

I’ve enjoyed it. Still a fair bit of drama to come I’d say.

2011 was the best one by far. Going to be difficult to top it, even in India (2023).

 

[jnaveen1980]

Today one of those rare good days thanks to some mediocre cricekt

 

[dildilpak]

The excitement of tight and pressure matches are going to start tommorow with Bangladesh beating Australia, Australia and NZ have only been playing pathetic teams so far you gotta remember that. Partially the same for India as well. The rain might have killed the excitement a bit because we all have to admit that the rain set up all these rubber matches but there has been a lot of close matches so far. definition of Rubber is 2015 world cup

India has played SA, Aus, Nz (washed out) & Pak... no way they have played only pathetic teams, infact Pakistan & India have had the two toughest first half of the tournament.

I dont know which tournament you are watching but barring today’s game & Pak-England, pretty much all other the other games have been one-sided & boring. And if Bangladesh looses tomorrow, pretty much its curtains for all other teams than the current top 4. I cant think of more boring tournament, bar 2007.

 

[Abdulm123]

India has played SA, Aus, Nz (washed out) & Pak... no way they have played only pathetic teams, infact Pakistan & India have had the two toughest first half of the tournament.

I dont know which tournament you are watching but barring today’s game & Pak-England, pretty much all other the other games have been one-sided & boring. And if Bangladesh looses tomorrow, pretty much its curtains for all other teams than the current top 4. I cant think of more boring tournament, bar 2007.

India vs SA was a pretty good game, India vs Aus was not a one sided match but it was not the most entertaining. Pak vs Aus would have been a good match but Pakistan collapsing killed it, Pak vs SL would have been good but it was washed out and WI lets not talk about it. All other matches one sided and boring?? are you suffering from short term memory loss?? I could name a bunch of entertaining matches.

 

[shazia9000]

its a good tournament, lots of diversity in england, lots of different fans, they could have not included grounds like taunton, bristol. pak loosing has somewhat for pakistanis made it a tournament to forget.

 

[Donal Cozzie]

India vs SA was a pretty good game, India vs Aus was not a one sided match but it was not the most entertaining. Pak vs Aus would have been a good match but Pakistan collapsing killed it, Pak vs SL would have been good but it was washed out and WI lets not talk about it. All other matches one sided and boring?? are you suffering from short term memory loss?? I could name a bunch of entertaining matches.

Go on then.

Ones I can recall off top of my head.

NZ vs Bangladesh
AFG vs SL (being a bit generous here, SL won easy in the end)
Eng vs Pak
Aus vs WI
NZ vs SA
Ind vs Aus (again, being generous, Aus never looked like winning).
BD vs SA (again, BD always in command but I'll grant it).

Thats 7 by my count.

Awful games that were over very early on

Eng vs SA
Pak vs WI
SL vs NZ
Afg vs Aus
Eng vs WI
Eng vs Afg
Eng vs BD
Afg vs NZ
AFG vs SA
Ind vs Pak

Forgettable games

Ind vs SA
WI vs BD
Pak vs Aus

Could include wash outs too.

Issue isnt again necessarily with these games, but the format and TV scheduling. Other competitions have 1 or more games daily so if one game sucks another one immediately follows. This tournament has on occasion had two games a day. Why isnt this the norm? Schedule them as is and let fans choose what they want to watch. Game 1 ends as Game 2 hits the innings break.

 

[DeadBall]

All World Cups have been craap since 1992, 1999 was Ok-ish.