IS IT THE BEGINNING OF THE END OF BAGGY GREEN ERA?

It was 1987 world cup. India and Pakistan hosted Reliance cup. West Indies was the one and only super power of world cricket. But there was tough competitions among all
Those test playing nations. But Australia was facing lean period before 87 world cup.
Two Men Bobby Simpson and Allan Border took the responsibility to groom up
The team. Basically After retirement of some very big names Australia did have a big problem. But Border –Simpson duo along with Cricket Australia able to build up
Infrastructure. 87 world cup was turning point. They started with Boon, Marsh, Dean Jones, Steve and Mark Waugh, Craig Mcdermott, Bruce Reid and on continuation we have got so many greats like Adam Gilchrist , Ricky Ponting, Mark Tailor, Shane Warne, Glenn Mcgrath list is unlimited.

But Still I will never say this Australian team is better than West Indies of 80s. They have taken cricket to a great heights. On the course of time Cricket has entered to the
Corporate world. Excessive commercialization of the game has effected the team badly.
Every time this game has to go under the table of Surgeon which is called ICC.
Basically Bowlers won matches. But they are scrutinized maximum time directly or indirectly. In Test matches ICC put limitations on bouncers. All wkts are batting friendly in any part of the world. Even surprisingly Sabina park one of the fastest wkts of world cricket hardly have any Grass. Durban, Waca ground , Oval are also changing
Their characters. In last decade Australian Attack was lead by Shane Warne and Glenn Mcgrath who was not as express bowler as his long term partner Jason Gillespie and Brett lee. Basically over all standard of Cricket is downwards with out any doubt.

Australia was enjoying the service of their golden generation. But right now the phase of transformation is coming up. To be vey Honest I don’t see better successors of Ricky Ponting , Adam Gilchrist , Mathew Haden, Shane Warne or Glen Mcgrath in current Aussies Squad. Those gentlemen were successfully raised the bottom even in better way
Than their Seniors.

Basically South Africa, India, England and Srilanka have every possibility to lead in next decade of world cricket.

Cricket is the game of great uncertainty. May be I am wrong but Still now I am not hearing any sound of the step of any Dale Steyn, Ishanth Sharma, Ajantha Mendis or Kevin Peterson , MS Dhoni in Australian Cricket who are the generation next cricketer.
We don’t hear Callipso music any more . May be Baggy green has complete its one great journey. May be New generation of Cricket started its Journey to infinitive with Some
One like Ajantha Mendis .

Source : Cricinfo

A Farewell to Brilliant Student of World Cricket

It was the Year of 1990.. This was the year of My Matriculation. During these Days
Vinod Kambli was a very promising name in first class level. There was a tournament
In Sharjah Called Australasia Cup. Indian Team was on leader ship of Md Azhar Uddin. One name did come to my notice. It was Anil Kumble. I remember Daily
Songbad was the most popular news paper in Bangladesh. They have also made the
Mistake by mixing up the sir name of Kambli. But after end of the carrier where
Is kambli today? But the unsung hero of Indian cricket Anil Kumble has decided
To hang up the boot. He has truly established himself as the Legend.
One era of the world cricket is finished after retirement of Anil.

I am great fan of fab four. But if I am true fan of Indian Cricketer, It is Anil Kumble. From

The very early stage of his carrier his critics accused him not to spin the ball that much

But None can deny besides his legendary counter part contemporary cricketer Shane Warne he has not only brought back the art of leg spin in world cricket but also established spin bowling in the highest honor.

If Early 80s was the era of Fearsome pace bowling 90s was completely dedicated

Spin bowling . World Cricket has got some great spin artists in both form of Finger and
Wrist Spin. Highest wicket Takers Muthiah Muralidharan, saqlain Mushtaq, Harbhajan Sing , Stuart Mc Gil. All have made their marks in world cricket. But keeping Ajhanta
Mendis in mind, there will be great vacuum in world cricket.

I have lots of beautiful memories with Anil Kumble as a viewers. His 6/12 In Hero Cup, His all 10 Wkts.

Basically from my Child hood I have heard about Jim Laker’s 10/53. But It was
My best of luck that I was the big witness of Kumble’s 10 of Kotla.

Being a Mechanical engineer he is a very well mannered and humble person . As a Captain he has done the great Job. His act as a leader in Sydney after this controversial
Match was fantastic. I think Perth win was the greatest of all time Indian Victory.

In last some days Indian Media Could not show proper respect to Kumbley.

But Great Warrior like Kumble knows how to stop. May be he will go and open a new innings for the Cricket.

Now a days over all charm of the Cricket is downward. Lots of unwanted people Like Lalit Modi and all are continuously spoiling the cricket environment via 20-20 hype.

Way things are going on I am really scared we are going to loose the brightest students

Of Cricket.

Kumble was one of the last representatives of those brightest students of world cricket
In this Corporate aggression.

But Kumble will be missed off and on by the true cricket lovers.

Fabulous Four, the Eternal Virtual Artists of the World Cricket

Current India –Australia test series creates huge interest on world of Cricket. To Me
I am always waiting for the best cricket. Basically I personally have lots of debt to
The Great Artists of world football and Cricket.

Indian Cricket has reached in great height after 2000 . It was Just possible for the
Four eternal artists of Indian Cricket. Yes They have already got the Tag of fabulous
Four. They are none other than Sachin Tendulkar, Rahhul Dravid , Sourav Ganguly
And VVS Laxman.

This is the era of the open market. Every thing is a product in here. Basically 20-20
Cricket is a new format for the entertainment of the cricket. Those of us who were following the cricket even after birth have some compatibility issue with such form of game.

Basically Major problem of any game is," if you want to change the full structure of the game for the corporate interest , You need to do lots of sacrifice with the quality of this

game". In such kind of game Bowlers are effected very badly. Batsman can’t stick to their

basic and technique. In fact Major problem is that 20-20 type of tournament never gave

a cricketer to groom up properly. But way things are going on I don’t have idea where

these things will be end. Media is so much powerful medium that they can make any average product to super class Via endorsement.

Current Indian Cricket is the biggest example of this. Basically Lalit Modi has already
Got the touch stone on the form of IPL. They have already declared it as the model
Of English Premier league. But Fact is that English Premier league or Serie A never
Become competitor of the National team and Class Players. Club football has lots
Of contribution for the development of the game of soccer. But major problem is that Cricket
is not a global game. It is almost impossible to make it globalized as football.

It is great that such a regional game has taken significant position in Word sports.

This Game has great Classic materials and If we compromise with this classic materials,
The game will loose its originality.
You can’t replace basic of any thing Via hype . It is not called reformed. Six a side cricket

Was implemented but it did not get success. Major problem is that in such kind of
System we are going to sacrifice the class players of the world cricket.

First test of India –Australia is the biggest example of it. After IPl I have watched a number of Novice and Cricket Illiterate people are going to take part in sports media.
One of the biggest example is Manish Vallicha of Neo Sports. His back ground is that
He was a Radio Jockey. But This Guy suddenly starts to take part in Cricket Hosting
Seriously. So Basic difference is coming up while Harsha Bhogley, Charu Sharma and
Even RK of Neo sports are conducting any cricket discussion.

Now a days Media needs people like Manish Vallicha or Mandira Bedi to promote the
game to another audience who have very much less interest about cricket. But over all
standard is getting not only down big time but also effecting the cricketers again.

Basically After winning of 20-20 world Cup India did have a very big Hype about
Indian current Captain MS Dhoni. I have great respect for Dhoni as a bold cricketer
And performer. But he is not at all fit as the status of Fab 4 and all.
Here is the problem. After success of 20-20 Lots of New Channels are coming with out

Proper experience.
In that Case they will promote more about the heir style of Dhoni and present him as the
Bigger even than Brad Man.

Basically , this Bangalore test is eye opener for all Boards, Cricket lovers and Cricketers.
Way Great Anil Kumbley and Fab 4 were going through pressure was unthinkable,

But end of their Cricketing Carriers way Tendulkar and Laxman Batted in a low bouncy and super slow wkt will be the big lesson for the promising Cricketers.

I am proud to say that I am almost the same age of the great Tendulkar, Dravid, Laxman and Ganguly. I think In last one decade we have seen the Monopolistic aggression of Aussies in world cricket. But these were the display of power play.

But these Four Eternal Visual Artists will be immortal in world cricket for their Class with aggression. May be They were the Last saviors of the test Cricket.

World Cricket will be great full to India to present such artists in world Cricket. But
Same BCCI will be the Court of the True Cricket lovers to destroy the spirit of the game.

The Last Action Hero

Sourav Ganguly has given an interview to the Kokata Daily Anandabazar & Aaj kaal after his retirement. It is clearly indicating that in our subcontinent how badly a sportsman
Is treated at end of his carrier. Basically what I have told my on my previous notes

That our sub continent makes any one hero for the success and even does not take single

time to ditch any one. This is because of the lack of sports culture.
Sourav Ganguly is undoubtedly most successful captain of India

and one of the best batsmen of cricket history. Here is the translation of some important

part of his interview-



Q: Why do you suddenly give this declaration?

Ans: I have taken the decision earlier. Just wanted to escape burden on the eve of the series.

Q: Is it not difficult for you to be out of Cricket while you are the guy who can do shadow
At 2 Am?

Ans: I am also surprised that I have made this declaration. But trust me I am not feeling that bad

Q: Since when have you been thinking for retirement?

Ans: Actually while I was out from Irani Trophy, I had made my mind almost. It was a night mare . I could not sleep at night. It was very tough for me to stay at home and decided not to give up. I did not expect to get call for Australia series
but I was hopeful because of new Selection committee . So As I have got the chance,
simply don’t want to give chance any one.


Q: who are they?

Ans: I don’t want to tell any one’s name. But tell me one thing, “why should I be in trial in every time? “You media people told After come back I was the most successful . then why should I be thrown just for one bad series? How long I will fight? If we make
Too much pump on a bladder, it will be burst automatically .

Q: There is the speculation for the VRS of the seniors. Are you the starting point?

Ans: I don’t know who has spread this. Is it possible to tell some one after particular day you won’t play. Should you tell sachin, Rahul and Laxman?All of them are performing
for 12 years. when they will feel for the call off , they leave themselves.About myself I have understood I will be always on Gun point and I will be scrutinized for
any reason. You can’t play like that. So It is better to quit . Cricket may not
Be in life but life will be there.

Q: Gavaskar told , “ You and Laxman are always on Gun point.”

Ans: Every thing is possible in Indian Cricket . while Greg ( chapel) made me out of team, they took T P Sing instead of me. But where is he now?
Some one has not made run in last three series. One cricketer has not got run even in one year. Some one has changed his hair style more than score. That’s why I asked Chika
(Srikanth) to let me play in peace and he has agreed.


Q: what is your greatest achievement in your whole cricketing life?

Ans: 99% people will tell about the success of my captaincy. But I want to tell about our team. Sachin, Rahul, Laxman, Kumbley and me have changed the face of Indian cricket
Together. When India had traveled to the overseas , every body was sure about our defeat. But Scenario is changed after 2000. You can’t alone make a team . It is the
Result of united effort.
So my team was the actual captain. So before my departure I wan to tell my team mates
“ Thank you Mates.”



This is how a sportsman is treated in this subcontinent. Honestly speaking I was watching Indian cricket for the Fab four. I can pay any amount to see the batting
Of VVS Laxman.

It is sad that a bunch of criminals are seating in BCCI . Board president Shashank Manohar is accused for multiple reason in here

“To know Shashank Manohar better, one has to go back to 26th November 1995. It was an ODI played between India and New Zealand when the VCA stadium wall collapsed, killing 13 people and injuring over 70. And who were responsible? Shashank Manohar himself, along with his father V.R. Manohar, the bosses of the VCA stadium - allegely these guys had contracted a close relative of theirs for the construction of the wall. It isn't a surprise that a man responsible for cricket's biggest onfield tragedy is the vice-president of the board.”

Current Secretary N Srinivasan is another controversial character “ Being a Secretary
Of the board this guy still owning IPL Franchise Chennai Super king which is one of the biggest conflict of interest. Funniest thing they are accusing Mr Dalmiya for the corruption but this guy was the treasurer.

I don’t want to sepak about lalit Modi any more. He can do or undo any thing for IPL and money.

Even Senior person Like IS Bindra also told “ Betting should be legalized In Cricket.”
I don’t know if Indian Govt will declare any VRS for those joker officials or not

Basically 20-20 has already started to bleed the cricket badly.

To day Bangladesh Media is going after our 14 cricketers for joining ICL. BCCB blindly
Banned them for 10 years. I have seen support of some suhil friends of mine.

They are not stopped even to spread venom about the personal life of cricketers.

But have ever thought that what the security these cricketers do have.

One of the most successful Batsmen of Pakistan history Inzamam-ul –Haq was

Shown door by the Pakistan cricket control board. But Inzi has done lot for Pakistan cricket.

So I am happy for Alok and Aftab to secure their life in ICCL.

BEGINNING OF THE END OF FABOULOUS FOUR

I like to go back to the late 80s of Dhaka. There was a 4 nation under 19 tournament . India was the champion of this tournament. In fact
This Indian team was the future India team. Ajoy Jadeja, Vinod kambly, Ranjiv Bishwal,
Late Dhruv Pandab, Bhupinder Sing, Jateen ParanJapey and another name was Sourav Ganguly. In fact It was my teen age days and I was very excited to see those teen agers.

But this name Sourav Ganguly gave me huge attention. During those days west Bengal media

Was so much vocal about injustice to Bengal from BCCI. This old record was very common. But it is not always Bengal Media was right. They were very much vocal about
Arun lal. But It was known fact there was no such quality player who could match the Indian team. So name Sourav Ganguly kept my interest high.

Then success of debut series against England of him and Rahul Dravid are history. Sachin Tendulkar established himself then as the star of Indian cricket. Then here came
South Africa Series India had witnessed of VVS Laxman.
With out a doubt this middle order ( Tendulkar, Dravid, Ganguly and Laxman) is
One of the best middle orders of the history of the World cricket. It is the best luck of India
That they have got such super class Batsman at a time.

But again problem of Indian cricket is of the whole subcontinent not to adopt proper
Sports culture. Virendra Sehwag has been groomed him self nicely under Fab four. Test

Cricket is a complete different ball game. Sehwag is extremely success full because he went to bat with out pressure while Yuvraj Sing could
Not capitalize his extreme talent in test cricket.

India is now in a transition period as the Australia of late 80s while a number of cricketing greats had retired . Australian cricket was rebuild centralizing Allen Border.
But Indian cricket is different now . Border got people like Dean Jones, Geoff Marsh,David Boon, Mark Tailor , Waugh brothers . Then they don’t need to look behind.

Sourav Ganguly did same thing for India while India was sank in betting controversy.

People like Virendra Sehwag, Yuvraj Sing, Mohd Kaif, Zaheer Khan, Asish Nehra, Harbajan Sing , Irfan
Pathan were discovery of Sourav . But fact was that there was also visionary like Jagmohan Dalmiya from whom he had got full support.

Now Post Fab four and Anil Kumbley era I am not very much optimistic about Indian Cricket.

MS Dhoni , Yuvraj Sing are purely adopted by 20-20 culture. This Current Indian team has not been tested in green top surface in overseas while Fab four was the most successful
In South Africa, Australia and England.

Now the actual testing period of Indian cricket starts

ICL , BANGLADESH AND WHAT'S NEXT?

It is Lazy Sunday. As usual I had an eye on Daily Prothom- Alo. Normally I only read the sports news. In last some days I lost interest of the Political Circus of Bangladesh.,

But one Head line of respected UtpolShuvro was just like the bolt from the blue to me.

14 Bangladesh Cricketers are joining ICL including ex captain Habibul Bashar, Two

Star Batsman Alok Kapali , Aftab Ahmed and ex vice captain Shahriar Nafees .

My reaction was mixed . ICL as known as rebel league of Indian Cricket.

BCCI is become the USA of world cricket. Mr Sharad Pawer can be called the George Bush and David Morgan is just the Ban –Ki –Moon of world cricket.

So every fair and unfair did of Hyena Lalit Modis are authorized by ICC.

Those who are attached with ICL, International cricket is become the forbidden kingdom for them though Cricketing greats Kapil Dev or Tony Greg are leading

In fact IPL is inspired by ICL but still ICC does not recognize ICL. Cricketing world has taken this news as hot cake.

If Bangladesh loose Class Cricketers like Aftab and Alok , We need long time to fill up their gap.

But I mentioned my reaction is mixed but I am happy for the Cricketers. If Aftab or Kapali makes $200,000 per season. At least they will get proper respect , exposes and

Value. What did these boys get by playing for national team? Yes National Blazer , Stardom and equally mental stress. I am sorry for my National team and equally sorry

For this game of Cricket. This great game is become most popular in a region where there is no sports culture. This game is become monopoly of some Mafia people. Team like Bangladesh is suffering for that. If we can manage to develop proper sports culture,

We may not see these days. We must be apologized to Sir WG Grace for killing the right spirit of Cricket. Srilankan board is also rescheduling their England tour just because of IPL.

I am a die heart fan of Fabulous Four of Indian Cricket. May be they are the last representative of actual cricket.

Now Bangladesh team should take the right step . They should not bow down to any un ethical decisions. They should see the interest of the players and equally for the future of

Bangladesh cricket.