ICC Championship Trophy Qualifying round

ICC Championship Trophy Qualifiers

The Qualifying matches amongst 4 teams (Sri Lanka, West Indies, Zimbabwe and Bangladesh) were played from 6-14 October 2006 in India. As expected, Sri Lanka and West Indies qualified, beating the weaker Bangladesh and Zimbabwe teams. The defending champions (West Indies), crumbled against the Sri Lankan bowling attack, and were bowled out for a pathetic score of 80 runs in 30.3 overs. None of the legendary players, like Lara, Sarwan and Chanderpaul, were able to prevent them from being bowled out for a humiliating total. In contrast, Sri Lanka put their signature in just 13.4 overs to dominate the qualifying rounds.

Group A consist of India, Australia, England and West Indies whereas as in group B the teams are South Africa, New Zealand, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. The defending champions have a daunting task ahead of them, even to qualify from their tough group.

The group stage matches have started on 15th October, with England playing India.

Will the Indian team be able to capitalize on home advantage? Well, all that depends on whether the players focus on the revenue earning advertisements or preparations for cricket matches as well as continuation of protracted experiments by Coach Greg Chappell. Another unforgettable factor is the weather. All the Indian hearts (home and abroad) will be beating and praying as their team plays various matches.

Prashant Deepak Waikar
Oct, 15, 2006

Nuclear Test by North Korea

North Korea (NK) blasted as well as gambled her way into the nuclear club presumably to pressure USA. As usual world leaders expressed their disappointment through statements in media and some even threatened about dire consequences to NK. UN Security Council passed two resolutions, first to condemn it and second for limited economic sanction against NK. It is now clear that veto wielding China and Russia objected to tougher sanctions under chapter 7 of UN charter. It is also public knowledge that China, Pakistan, USA and Russia have helped NK one way or other in her pursuit for nuclear arms.

If NK survives and somehow becomes a tool of USA like Pakistan seemingly for war against terror, then other aspiring nations are likely to take gamble to join nuclear race.

Media has reported that Iran, Egypt, Israel, South Korea, Japan, Saudi Arabia are likely candidates for peaceful use to begin with and deterrence subsequently. Bushes are on fire and Hu-Putins are ensuring that it continues to burn.

Welcome to the wonderful nuclear world.

Deepak Waikar
Oct., 15, 2006