…as the second Twenty20 World Cup plays out. And what a golden opportunity for the minnows in world cricket to topple a big gun, and write their name into cricket circus history. And that’s exactly what is on offer, as bowlers are thrown to the batting lions. The name of the game in Twenty20 cricket is big hitting and razzamatazz.
There’s a place for Twenty20 cricket in the modern game because of its spectator appeal and the huge financial spin-offs that come from sponsors and television rights. And Ireland has an opportunity to cash in, if they can pull off a shock or two and move into the lucrative second stage. It won’t be easy, but any betting man would fancy his chances in a short game rather than a long game against a heavy favourite. Unfortunately Ireland’s build-up has not been very impressive, but as the team returns to full strength, there is every reason to feel a lot more optimistic against unpredictable Bangladesh, and even India. The loss of Eoin Morgan and the absence of Ed Joyce have to be set aside, as that argument has been lost long since, so it’s time to move forward, at least until it returns with another defection down the line.
The ICC allows qualification to play for another country on residency, and therein lies the biggest contradiction to nationality. Can you really become a national of another country with four years residency? Of course not, but as long as the cricket hierarchy continue to embrace this anomaly, then every country and every cricketer has the option of using the rule for their own advantage.Englandhas benefitted most over the years with a long list of prize captures headed by former captains Tony Greig, Alan Lamb, and Kevin Pietersen. It makes others like Mike Denness from Scotland and Tony Lewis from Wales, almost English!
Some people were quick to criticise the Cricket Ireland set-up last week when theIrelandteam fielded a side that included eight overseas nationals, but the point is academic given that the selectors used what they thought were the best players available, irrespective of nationality. It’s another debate as to whether this is the direction Irish cricket should be going, given the huge investment in our youth programme, and the results it has produced, but surely no criticism should be levied at national coach Phil Simmons, whose job is to produce a winning team at the highest level? The spin-offs for a successful Ireland team could be mega bucks, or if you are a cynic, it could also be the potential loss of another top Irish player. At least the inclusion of so many foreigners means we aren’t likely to lose them in the same way!
Civil Service North Kiwi Nigel Jones was the latest overseas player to winIrelandselection, and the only serious issue in question was whether he was better than the other players in contention. Nationality was not an issue on Nigel’s selection, but the Cricket Ireland “think-tank” may have to look at the matter in a more structured manner and come up with a policy that takes cognizance of a national interest, or makes a public statement to dismiss it as a consideration. At least that way the issue can be buried, but at what cost one wonders?
In the meantime let’s get behind the boys in green and give them 100% support. No one could question their commitment over the past few years, and for those of us that have been around a long time, isn’t it wonderful to see an Ireland team contesting World Cup matches rather than providing fodder for touring B sides in meaningless exhibition matches?
We’ve come a long way in the last decade. Let’s go further and let’s get behind Ireland!
Clarence Hiles
Editor
