A Warm Welcome to the Fox’s Den
July 21st, 2008 by Michael Jeh in AnnouncementsThe idea of being described as a “cricket tramp” quite appeals to my warped sense of humour. Blogging for an international website can be a dangerous business unless one can truly claim that national loyalties play no part whatsoever in the opinions being put forward for public slaughter.
Truly, I can claim that dubious honour – I have no cricket loyalties. Born in Sri Lanka, finished high school and university in Australia, spent 12 summers and a few winters in Britain, been to India and South Africa numerous times with wonderful memories and played against West Indians and Pakistanis alike. Even from a cultural perspective, I can broadly identify with the way cricket is played and perceived in the psyche of these nations.
Cricket’s charm and tension can often be attributed to this essential difference in cultural norms. Is there any other global sport that has one blueprint but a thousand interpretations? From the nature of the pitches to weather conditions to crowd behaviour to the temperaments of players, cricket has this wonderful ability to share the one canvas with many painters.
Trying to blog on issues that can polarise opinions, unite enemies or speak to an audience that sees the world through their own prism is something I’m really looking forward to. I have every intention of writing about issues that force people to have an opinion, even if they disagree strongly with my interpretation of that situation.
My own prejudices and leanings may appear obvious but perhaps even then, a googly might surprise you. I can only hope that a sense of humour and a deep love of cricket will unite us in debate, secure in the knowledge that anyone who devotes their time to writing and reading about cricket share a common love that transcends even the blindest patriotism.
It’s hard to know if a tramp can claim to have many homes or is he homeless? It is indeed a good metaphor for the modern game. Does cricket still belong to those who gave birth to it and nurtured it through childhood? Or has it now found a new home near the Equator where an adoring mass has now adopted it as their love child? Perhaps cricket belongs to us all equally - village green, sandy beach or maidan alike.
Bring it on……
July 22nd, 2008
[…] A warm welcome to <b>cricket</b>.com from the Foxs den […]
July 22nd, 2008
Welcome to cricket.com mate - look forward to reading more.
July 25th, 2008
I’d say the adoring masses at the equator adopted the sport a long time ago!
Good start nonetheless.
JT
August 8th, 2008
Fair point JT. I can’t disagree with you. Poor choice of words on my part. I suppose what I was trying to say (however poorly) was that cricket’s power base is now firmly based near the Equator. The love for the game has always been there but it’s ‘home’ in the governance sense is now well and truly a long way from St John’s Wood in London. I reckon that’s a good thing so long as everyone remembers that it is still best enjoyed globally. If it ceases to be a game that excites global interest, I reckon it will lose it’s appeal. I don’t want cricket to become like baseball or NBL. Huge following and money but only centred around one country. That’s just me being selfish though. A tramp needs lots of holiday homes to visit!
August 15th, 2008
Eventhough I am not a great cricket player, I love reading about the great game and followed/following the cricket careers of various cricketers right from my favourite Vishy (GR Viswanath), Sunny, Lara, Border, Waugh and so many other cricket legends. I am a great fan of Sachin but after watching so many great innings of his, watching him play in the III test was difficult for me to digest and that is why I feel he should quit gracefully, instead of being asked by every Tom, Dick and Harry to go. Now I am very much interested to see the games of Sehwag and Sangakara, (the only gentleman cricketer who is also very articulate). I wish these two should play for some more years and give fans like me joyous time to watch this great game.
August 16th, 2008
Good man Venkatesh. Your love for the global game, and for good cricket from any country, is plain to see. Your heart may be with India (fair enough too) but I enjoy reading your posts because you are clearly prepared to look at issues from all perspectives.
Yes, Sangakkara is extremely articulate, plays it hard but fair and is a gentleman to boot. He’s well respected in the cricket community I think.