History in the making

This deals with the craze of the subcontinent. A game called Cricket is going to usher in a new history in that region. We all knew what passion this game can evoke in both India and Pakistan. Two of these countries, ever so volatile, ever so electrifying, ever so exciting, face of in a Cricket match today. Now, the question will be asked, so what? The thing this time is that India and Pakistan are meeting in the FINAL of the 20-20 Cricket WORLD CUP.

Traditional Cricket has tried, conventional short forms of the game gave a glimpse, but is the maverick creation of 20-20 cricket that has made it a reality. It was considered a dream if both these nations met in a final of a major competition. Now, on 24th September, this will be a reality in Johannesburg. Passions, emotions, Patriotism will all be in a different notch from fans of both nations. I can imagine the press in India whipping up a frenzy. It almost resembles a declaration of War! I guess Cricket and war are inter-related, especially when it is India and Pakistan.

Generations of both India and Pakistan have waited for a moment like this. Mnay of us were not born when India lifted the World Cup back in 1983. That was of course, the more conventional form of One Day International Cricket. But, the new era, a new style, and a new generation may be about to see something special. If 20-20 can make dreams into fantasy, then it definately should be the norm of the Cricket world now. The world is slowly watching, and taking not of this radical form.

Purists and advocates of the Old school of Cricket argue that this will destroy the game. It does not give its due to skills and applications. I would like to add that the game of Cricket, following this pattern of skills and applications has been largely confined to the sub-continent, and its losing popularity elsewhere. No doubt, the "purer version" of Cricket is challenging, and at times entertaining, but i guess the dynamics of time call for a global outlook for the game, and 20-20 is the catalyst for that.

I guess in a day it depends upon what are the priorities of the administrators. Whether they want the Old school, or a maverick form? Whether they want the purer version or a diluted International one? These issues will take a backseat for the moment, because history is playing out today at Johannesburg. Generations have only thought about this epic clash in their mind. I wonder how will the public interact when they see it on the Television set