And Still I Rise

In 2007, the ICC Cricket World Cup came to the Caribbean. For a cricket loving nation hosting this championship was a remarkable achievement. countries, egged on by the WICB responded to the call to upgrade and in some case build new stadiums to host these games. Despite the home team's cellar status, fans were still excited about seeing the big teams in action whilst holding out hope for their beleaguered team. This was before the ICC rules threatened to wipe the excitement off the faces of the cricket loving public.

No longer were the conch shells, bugles, horns, drums etc which were integral to the Caribbean cricketing experience allowed. Added to that, the picnic baskets and the accompanying beverages were a no no. CWC 2007 turned out to be a sterile affair lacking the flair and verve that characterises the West indian experience. Not surprisingly fans stayed away. Realising the folly of their ways The ICC T20 World cup hosted had no such restriction and the fans were encouraged to "bring it". The "it"" being the horns, bugles,drums and conch shells that made the cricket grounds come alive.

Fast forward to 2010, South africa and by definition the African continent is hosting football's world cup. It is the first time the football world cup has gone to that part of the world and excitement is fever pitch. Most if not all of us have seen the exuberant Africans decked in their country's colour proudly declaring allegiance. Football fans the world over have their unique tradition that is associated with the game. The Brazilians beat their samba drums, the Mexicans introduced us to the "wave", the English chant non stop at their games and the South africans blow vuvuzelas. However, these vuvuzelas have come under fire from footballers, media and fans for what they term its annoying buzz. The exclusion of vuvuzelas from stadiums was gathering such momentum that FIFA was forced to make intervene. President Joseph Blatter in his ruling had this to say "it is african culture, we are in Africa and we have to allow them to practice their culture as much as they want to. Vuvuzelas, drums and singing are part of African celebrations, it is a part of their celebrations,part of their culture, so let them blow it".

Those are sentiments I totally endorse and I only wish the ICC had the sense to relax the repressive regulations they imposed on CWC 2007. Whilst it was not a West Indian world cup and it is not an African World Cup, there are certain aspects that should not be dictated by outside powers. Kudos to Sep Blatter