It's raining EXCUSES now !

I am sure everyone enjoyed Sehwag's run-shower (of Fours and Sixes) in Hamilton (NZ) during the 4th ODI match although other players and spectators had to go through the ordeal of getting wet under frequent rain-showers. I am glad that the downpour wasn't heavy enough to call the match off.

The Sri Lankan cricket board just proposed ICC to move the Champions trophy to South Africa. It seems that the weather gurus of Sri Lanka suddenly discovered that the mother nature will not be favorable 'this year' during any international cricket tournament on their home ground. On one hand we should commend them for expressing their worry six months in advance, on the other hand I feel sorry for their lame 'excuse' ! May be they got inspired by PCB- which is still hiding behind so many excuses in order to protect itself from the wrath of international sports media for not providing adequate security to a visiting team.

Every year, like in India - New Zealand series, so many cricket matches get affected by rain but this unpredictable interruption should not scare a host nation to raise their hands and give up ! I rather see this weather situation as an excuse by BCCSL to avoid organizing any international event in the wake of recent attacks in Lahore. It seems the hosts are not absolutely sure that they will be able to provide high quality security to all cricketers and spectators during the tournament. Since thier local terrorist outfit (T***l T****s) was named as one of the possible groups behind the attacks, the Lankans are playing it safe by not getting involved in an event which'll attract international media ... thereby not giving local miscreants any chance to cause any life-threatening trouble. Anyways, it would have been better if the Sri Lankan authorities had voiced their 'real' concerns rather then blaming it on their so-called unfavorable weather.

This 'change in venue' by the Lankans also highlights (again) the dire need to review IPL preparedness this year. The hasty decision by Lalit Modi to keep the show on without any 'major' security and scheduling changes may put this T20 tournament in jeopardy. Some of the venues for 2011 world cup may also change if the Cricket Community does not approve PCB to organize any match in Pakistan.

Anyways, I think so many (& frequent) incidents of "venue-change" may make South Asian countries less favorable in future for organizing international matches & tournaments. It never rains but it pours ... I am now more worried about the future of Cricket in the Indian SubContinent.