Mr. Woolmer's death is trillion times more shocking than the two upsets that happened on the cricket field on Saturday. All those who have seen Bob Woolmer's immediate reaction after Ireland captain scored the winning hit, can agree that he was really under lot of stress and disbelief. During the closing stages of the match, he was tapping his feet and was nervous as hell. Shahid Afridi, who was sitting next to him, was observing Bob's anxiety from close range.
The autopsy report is yet to be made public. We all want to know the reason for his death. Whatever has happened is really unfortunate and disturbing. I was aware that players and coaches particularly from subcontinent are under tremendous pressure to perform but never thought that it can be fatal. It is sad. It is as tragic as it can get.
May Bob's soul always rest in peace. God gives enough strength and courage to the near and dear ones of Mr.Woolmer to overcome this tragedy. An appeal to all cricket lovers. Please do not make failures and successes on cricket field a matter of life and death.
Some of the TV Channels have been using harsh and unprofessional language to describe Sehwag's and Team India%u2019s bad performance. Please do not use this medium to infuriate and ignite the frustration level of the supporters to such an extent where they start taking law in their hands. For example, demolishing of Dhoni's under-constructed house in Ranchi.
Minnows will not always remain minnows. Once a minnow can be World Champions some day. No one gave India any realistic chance of winning the 1983 World Cup. We did against all odds. It was considered to be a huge upset in history of World Cup cricket. There were disappointments in West Indies but not to an extent where people started getting engaged in acts of vandalism. Cricket Lovers in Subcontinent go through extreme range of emotions. When players do well, the kind of adulation that we give to them is unbelievable. Banking on this popularity, multi-national companies sign them to promote their products. When they do not do well, we feel cheated. Why we all get trapped or rather influenced with this kind of hype.
One question? Like cricketers, cinema actors are also celebrities and do modeling for multi-national companies. Do we get emotionally disturbed or disappointed when a ShahRukh or Aamir Khan%u2019s movie does not do well in box office? Or we say, when Indian movie fails to win the Oscar Award. No, we do not. We have a very balanced approach when it comes to Cinema. But when it come to Sports particularly cricket, we align our personal happiness and sadness with this game. Why cannot we see this as a game? We will not feel that bad. Appreciate our cricketers when they play well. Criticize when they do not but for heaven sake please do not make it look like a personal tragedy or national grief when they lose. We, as a nation has lot more important things to do for our country.
I once again make a plea to millions of cricket lovers particularly in subcontinent do not let your emotions get the better of you. I know cricket is a religion in this part of the world but certainly is not bigger than anybody's life. All it needs is a rational approach towards the wonderful game of cricket.
RE:Cricket: A Tragedy
by Yasmin Bhat on Mar 22, 2007 04:37 AM Permalink
After reading a lot of nonsense that has been written on rediff recently,it was indeed heartening to read your message, Mr. Iyer. You have spoken the truth and put things into perspective. The death of Bob Woolmer certainly puts things into perspective, and we can only hope that the Indian cricketers will now not be subject to such intense emotions from their fans. And also that Pakistan cricket learns the same lesson form this tragic incident.
RE:Cricket: A Tragedy
by yogesh kharpude on Mar 22, 2007 01:31 PM Permalink
The death of Bob Woolmer comes as a shock & tragedy for cricket lovers throughout the world.I think media has a role here to stop giving negative publicity to ur players in case of any failure.We all should stand by them & wish them good luck. God bless!
RE:Cricket: A Tragedy
by zubair shighrekar on Mar 21, 2007 01:13 PM Permalink
FANTASTIC MAN I WILL JUST SAY ITS A GAME..ONE TEAM HAS TO LOOSE..THATS IT...
RE:RE:Cricket: A Tragedy
by Ravishankar Kumarasamy on Mar 21, 2007 02:53 PM Permalink
Don't give too much attention to the cricketeers.That would bring cricket as just another sport.Follow the Srilankans though they are from the subcontinent , there aren't any cricket celebrities and demigods.
