------- Southpaw said... The official reason for Tendulkar getting a runner against Pakistan in WC 2003 was hamstring pull, not cramps. He was limping after the game, around 1 hour after he was out. He was doubtful for the next game also. Whether he was faking it or not, I don't know. :-) -------
This is also how I remember it, actually - that it was a hamstring issue with SRT, not a cramp per se.
However, this issue about "cramp" is a good question in general, and IMHO is a bit of a gray area nowadays in international cricket. In the end it comes down to the umpires judgement, and there are several instances in international cricket lately where batsmen *do* get runners even for just cramps (I think many more such cases recently than in the past, by far).
For example, Dhoni - my memory was that he has gotten runers for cramps on more than one occasion. A quick google search reveals this to be true - in 30 seconds of searching one can come up with:
(vs Bdesh: "but Dhoni, who used a runner for most part of his innings after being down with cramps, hit an unbeaten 91 as India posted 251 for 5 in 46 overs".)
(vs Sri Lanka: "Then, despite struggling with cramps which forced him to score his last 53 runs with a runner, Dhoni stuck on and helped a jittery Venugopal Rao stay at the crease to guide India home".)
(vs Australia: "It was a major setback for India and things got much worse when Dhoni, who was batting with a runner due to cramp, was run out for 37 just 19 runs later". )
Note, this is 3 different games for one player - and one who is often considered one of the fittest players around, actually.
The thing is, exhaustion can be one reason for cramp - but is hardly the only reason (even medically, they arent *completely* sure of all the reasons. Even medicinenet.com, for instance, says "It is not known exactly why muscle cramps develop. Insufficient stretching before exercise, exercising in the heat, and muscle fatigue may all play a role in their causation.". Note the equivocation, the "may" etc).
As an umpire, you have to make the decision as you see it in that particular case. This Saturday the Jaguars opener (Rohit) said he was starting to cramp.. I dont think I would have given him a runner at that time, it was early in the innings and there had been little to show that it was affecting his movement until then in my opinion.. but he didnt even ask for it, he actually asked to retire hurt instead, which I allowed. However I dont see it as a blanket rule myself - that I will never ever give a runner for cramping etc; sometimes its obvious that it is an in-game injury, was not carried over from before etc. In the end a cramp is a muscle-spasm - it isnt the same as a muscle-pull or a muscle-tear, but the area between can be gray enough IMHO that it is perfectly fair to leave it to an umpires discretion to take it on a case-by-case basis (as are most other things in cricket - from LBWs, to whether a ball delivered full-toss over waist was fast enough to be a no-ball or not. At every level umpires are left to make all those decisions - which may sometimes be imperfect, but are all part of the game IMHO).
--------- Shiraz said... The only reason I am writing is because I have to admit, that Purdue was a great host to us last weekend. -------
While Shiraz is allowed to be modest for his team and write only about the hosting, Iam allowed to write something about the actual cricket too :-) One of the highlights of the day for me was a completely terrific spell of spin bowling in tandem by Asmar and Nasir, which turned the whole game around. Purdue were cruising at 64/0 in 13 overs, when those two came on and altered the whole game - they suddenly started getting big turn and bounce, and claimed 6/22 between them in the next 9 overs! Both bowlers seemed to hit the zone together, bowled not a single loose ball over those 9 overs, and looked like taking wickets every over (and almost did, takign 6 in 9 overs!) Good spin is always fun to watch, and this was probably the fun-nest stretch of the game (well, maybe not for Purdue, but for the observer :-) Some very good catching in this period too - especially one running and diving by Nasir, and one by the kid substitute.
After the break it turned into a game of grinding attrition. Purdue defended and tried to preserve wickets, and took the odd single or two, getting 2-3 runs per over on average. Then Airaj hit a few at the end (after being hit on the chin, with blood flowing everywhere), and Purdue got something to defend on the board with 175 (90 runs for the last 4 wickets, using up 20+ remaining overs - slow cricket, but an excellent fightback from 80/6).
Rogers Park was a little short of batting (missing a couple players - opener Kamran, for one), and some poor shots early against disciplined bowling and catching from Purdue put them in a 40-odd for 5 hole which proved too much in the end. They fell 50 or so runs short in the end, with the weather closing in rapidly (the storm arrived almost exactly as we were coming off the field at the fall of the last wicket).
Good game overall, both teams showing some positive signs. After that early 60-run head start Rogers Park's bowling looked very good, especially their spin tandem really looked good in this game, both Asmar and Nasir are bowling extremely well. And RP's catching was better than I ever remember it - some very good catches held all day, a couple of them outstanding. Purdue looked improved as well - both Pradeep and Dr. Ravi returned for this game, which improves their bowling a fair bit, and a couple of their new guys contributed strongly as well (Saumyang and Airaj with runs, and Adeel with 2 early wickets).
Has there been a case where a runner was not allowed because the batsman was cramped? If not then every player who has a cramp should get a runner. Why should that be left to Umpire's discretion? There has also been a fallacy that the Captain of the fielding side must approve whether a runner is required and Umpires have actually asked for Captain's permission before they would allow one. Just so everyone knows, Sadiq can you make that clear as well, so the next time the Captain of the fielding side tells me I cannot have a runner, I can quote you :) Shouldn't these topics be discussed during Umpiring training or be part of panel discussion?
Sure as hell.. a game to remember ..Ajoy.. these types of games don't usually happen frequently... Congrats to the whole team... ============================ for the last freaking time.. a captain does not have a say in allowing a runner... Umpire only.. so instead of some of you trying to be doctors to decide if it's cramp or crap why not choose the best way out..no runners allowed for cramps.
Why don't you all vote in this rule "A batsman is not allowed to use a runner...PERIOD??."
somewhere in the MCC umpire rule book .. it is written that allowing batsman a runner is upto Umpire's discretion ... As far as I know ... in International matches, the opposition captain has a say ...
Just pissed at all this wasted..good blogging time... I just don't get it. .. Here is something to read...
We went from 40 over to 45 for these younger 50y's to enjoy cricket.. We created a 30/30 Div (rest home) for them to enjoy but no!!!!!!!.. I can handle the heat and game. F**k it ain't hot and we got crapimg issues. I don't know why they can't just play in and to their strength. For you cramping freaks.. If you can hit 4's then hit 3's. If you can't run 3's then only run 2's. If you can't run 2's then only run 1's. and if you can't run 1 buy a fishing rod, find a pond and go f???????.
Finger you quote too much s***te sometimes. Everytime you start with Int players getting breaks you let MCC players think the they should too but for different resons
---------- Adnan said... There has also been a fallacy that the Captain of the fielding side must approve whether a runner is required and Umpires have actually asked for Captain's permission before they would allow one. Just so everyone knows, Sadiq can you make that clear as well, so the next time the Captain of the fielding side tells me I cannot have a runner, I can quote you :) Shouldn't these topics be discussed during Umpiring training or be part of panel discussion? -------
That part is very clear in the rules - it is entirely the umpire's decision to allow a runner or not. It doesnt have anything to do with the opposing captain in that sense - if the umpire allows you to have a runner, you have a runner, no matter what the opposing team thinks. What the umpire does is *inform* the fielding captain of his decision (thats inform, he doesnt have to get consent :-)
In practice, in our league, many people have this wrong - sometimes Ive even seen batsmen who want runners go straight to the opposing captain and ask (instead of asking the umpire).
And these topics *were* discussed during umpiring training, as far as I can recall. But most of the time was spent on rules. Maybe next year, once the basic rules are grounded well, we oughta spend more time on things that happen most often in our league which are sort of gray.. like too many people asking for runners, particular instances etc. (For example, in this case in the meeting, it was made clear that its the umpires call and its for injury.. but the specific "what happens if its a cramp" wasnt discussed, I dont think).
--------- Ajoy Lal said... Coming back to Scheduling... How many teams are willing to play away games on consecutive weekends? We are in for a tough one, as we are scheduled to play games in Chicago on 12th and 19th July. --------
You guys are spoiled from having a home ground, and mostly home games :-)
When I travelled with the Eagles to Springfield in the third week of the season (which they won, to go 3-0), that was their third consecutive away game to start the year, IIRC. And they said they were scheduled for a 4th consecutive away game too, except that might change with the rescheduling (overall IIRC they had 6 away games on the season).
With overall more than 1/3 of the games being away for all Div2 teams, Iam sure two consecutive away games arent that uncommon, really (tho hopefully 3 or 4 consecutive away games ought to be uncommon :-)
You guys are spoiled from having a home ground, and mostly home games :-)
--------------------------------------------- Yes, lets say we are spoilt, But the point here is not away games, the point here is travelling two consecutive weeks to Chicago.
I invite you to travel 350 miles to Saint Louis for two weekends and then pass any judgement.
Springfield and saint louis are 110 miles apart themselves. So please try and understand the underlaying point.
On second thoughts I like being called spoiled (spoilt)
-------- Alpesh said... somewhere in the MCC umpire rule book .. it is written that allowing batsman a runner is upto Umpire's discretion ... As far as I know ... in International matches, the opposition captain has a say ... --------
International law saith:
2.1(b) The umpires shall have discretion, for other wholly acceptable reasons, to allow a substitute for a fielder, or a runner for a batsman, at the start of the match or at any subsequent time.
..and later..
2. Objection to substitutes The opposing captain shall have no right of objection to any player acting as a substitute on the field, nor as to where the substitute shall field. However, no substitute shall act as wicket-keeper.
---------
From the above its pretty clear to me that the opposing captain cant protest the granting of a runner by an umpire - not just in MWCC law, but in international law.
And as some people do not understand what is written and take everything literally and then there are officialls who just dont bother to respond despite being contacted.
Not sure if you want to hear this, but I agree with Sadiq. Our schedule was something like this: MUCC Away, RPCC Home, Purdue Away, Peoria Away, and Milw CC Away. 4/5 away games to beign the season. Now MilwCC has been rescheduled to later in the season. All I can say is that it happens. It may have happened because of the overall league schedule and/or because of our requests. Don't get me wrong though, I am not complaining. Stuff like this happens, that's how it worked out this season, and its definitely been different other seasons.
You guys are rather spoiled having your own ground, but that's just part of the league!! :)
Congrats on your win. Good teams find a way to win consistently, whatever the situation may be. Just see PG, Wildcats, IIT, Peoria, Purdue, etc. Maybe we will add Arena to that list after this season. ;-)
Sorry Ajoy.. It's just one of the many F'ups that was in the schedule. They tried their best to make the changes but 3 weeks had already been play so it was a struggle to clean an up. I hope we have all learned a little.
Why don't you ask them to give you a week end schedule and play both games on one week end..worth a try..not guaranteed??
I am not against away games, the point here is that one fine day we find out that we are playing 2 games in chicago and then the home game against Jaguars which got rained out has been rescheduled as away game.
Dont you think officials should take teams into confidence before deciding anything like this.
On reading your comments, it is a particularly difficult travel schedule for you guys though given the distance. Sorry it worked out for you that way.
Not sure what you meant by: And as some people do not understand what is written and take everything literally and then there are officialls who just dont bother to respond despite being contacted.
Why don't you ask them to give you a week end schedule and play both games on one week end..worth a try..not guaranteed?? -------------------------------
Did that two weeks ago but someone should respond to us right?? Atleast let us know if the request is accepted or not. Or whatever the decision is. We will never shy from away games.
My whole point is where are we going with all this.
Teams are playing despite such cofusion and harships because of their love for the game and the time they enjoy together. I am sure many of you will second me on this.
Didn't know the background on the issue. But yes, I do believe that if a game is going to be rescheduled, both teams have to be part of that decision - let alone changing it to an "away" game. Depending on the situation there are nuances, but you have a valid point.
I will say that despite not always agreeing with them or even being critical of them at times, there are 2 things that I will appreciate them for:
1. Putting in a lot of time and effort into doing things.
2. Being available and responsive to me at least.
Keep following up with them. I'm sure they will at least respond/discuss this with you.
Ajoy, just didn't want to overstate the obvious. That was dripping of sarcasm!!!
I hope that your issue gets sorted out quickly and reasonably. We all do play for the love of the game and endure hardships, and that should not be taken for granted.
Teams are playing despite such cofusion and harships because of their love for the game and the time they enjoy together. I am sure many of you will second me on this. =========================== so true for ICC my friend. It's our day to play cricket, forget the turmoil of trying to survive, catch up on the smacking and enjoy the family day...
ooooohhhh..not to mention this blog..sometimes!!!!!!!
Adi, Glad to now ya stil alive.. Sheky are you in town???
Obviously, am a little bored this afternoon. Not as busy today as it has been for the last few weeks.
So, on a separate note, it seems that the MCC has cleared the "switch" stroke that KP used the other day.
Not sure I agree with them on this one. Very wish-washy logic in my opinion. Certain obvious questions come into play:
1. How will wides be adjudicated? 2. How will this impact LBW decisions? 3. How will this impact fielding restrictions? (ie: 2 behind square on the leg, max 5 allowed on the leg, etc) 4. How is the keeper supposed to react if its a spinner or a similar situation?
Am alive and bored!!! Looking forward to some cricket this weekend - weather permitting. What's ICC up to this weekend? Playing the night tournament? Putting up a WI team?
And as some people do not understand what is written and take everything literally and then there are officialls who just dont bother to respond despite being contacted.
Way to GO MWCC. ================================ welcome to the club brother. I am still waiting on suspension decision from the mgmt.
------ Aditya said... Ajoy, Didn't know the background on the issue. But yes, I do believe that if a game is going to be rescheduled, both teams have to be part of that decision - let alone changing it to an "away" game. Depending on the situation there are nuances, but you have a valid point. --------
I'll second that - wasnt aware of the background either. I do agree both teams should be a part of rescheduling decisions.
I also do understand that St Louis is a long way away (most Chicago teams will say exactly that too, BTW :-) However I also think that *everyone*, including St Louis teams, should actually be playing *4* away games a year.. I think thats the only way we can reduced Chicago teams' away games to 4 instead of maybe 6. And 6 (out of 14) is too many travel games IMHO.
Of course it should all be done at the start of the season. And the St Louis teams probably ought to be given some leeway.. maybe 2 back-to-back weekends in Chicago or something (or maybe just 1 in Chicago, but also like Arena can play once in Peoria and once in Urbana or some such). But its only by making the "away teams" travel more, IMHO, that the league can survive - else the exodus out of Div2 will turn into an even more rapid flood (its not a coincidence IMHO that Div2 was 29 teams about 3 years ago, and is down to 19 teams this year).
I thought it was all sorted out and you guys were all cleared to play. Is that not correct? ============================== Not true sir. We are still in limbo. June 10th had come and gone and we are still wondering what the fuss? According to the last word from Mehul Shani, magmt is still pondering.
I understand your frustation Ajoy .. 2 times travelling 5 hours 1 way is a big pain .. but with so less teams in Div 2 this season, atleast 4-5 teams will have to do this ...
I wonder if any student in any team in any team can take up 'Scheduling MWCC matches' as a project and comes up with a nice solution ... Thats how the Duckworth-Lewis formula was born ...
else the exodus out of Div2 will turn into an even more rapid flood (its not a coincidence IMHO that Div2 was 29 teams about 3 years ago, and is down to 19 teams this year). ================================== ... So then why are we so afraid of Glendale Heights? They can still come in and grab our grounds. All they need is 10 teams on the paper and take it to Chicago Park district.
Don't think it's prevalent in our league, but if I was the fielding captain, I would most certainly have to stop the game and ask the umpires on how they will implement the rules. Note, it clearly says in the rules that the wides will depend upon the stance the batsman takes at the start of the bowler's run-up!
What is KP's problem? Can't he just be happy with hitting 6s right handed? Is that too easy for him now? Wants a challenge? What an insult to the NZ bowlers! Not only is he going to smack you for a century, but he's going to hit a couple of left-handed shots. That too 6s!!
Say I did that to Rup, how would he like it? I'd expect a beamer next ball, though Rup may be too nice a guy for that.....
Against their names it says NCL, that is why just wanted to confirm. I am happy they got achance to play if not thru MWCC but thru some other able league.
mwcc management needs to explain this crap. just sit back and watch the blame game begin. hey hey! hey ho! TA needs to go! say it wid me... all that chest thumpin in cer and no participation. sadiq explain away. you seem to be the mouthpeace for TA anyway!!!
I'm not surprised about Asmar and Nasir bowling well. Nasir is a good bowler and when Asmar is bowling well he can be a handful. Good to know that they are both playing well. i'm sure that they will help RPCC have a good season this year.
I posted a bulletin in the last thread about MWCC not acknowledging their players participation. Yes Faisal and Abhi play for United Cricket Club. We take care of our own.
1. MWCC players missing. Not sure whose fault or if they are just not available, but it still is BS.
2. There are 2 MCC people. What league was that? There were 6 leagues that played - GLCC, ICML, NCL, ACC, Directors, and MWCC.
3. Sunny Khan and Hashim Raza? I was surprised they were in the ACC team, forget the Central East team! That is politics at its best.
4. What about Aashar from ACC? He was their best player! ============================== Adi, that's not true. I posted the information that MWCC did not acknowledge their participation. The deadline came and gone and there was no response from these sorry a@#$%^. Fu@#$%^ enemies of cricket and our talent. i hope this would open some eyes and confirm what I have been saying for years. No good, sorry A$$es.
This is what I posted on the last thread. =============================== Adnan said... Brothers, I just recieved a very disturbing news. Apparently the deadline for confirming the list of players from MWCC to participate in the oturnament has come and gone and there has been no response from the management. I urge all the concerned parties to please inquire with the management to see whether we are sending the selected plyers to Houston.
Adnan Baig www.unitedcricket.org =======================
Firstly, hats off to you and United for organizing, participating, and being on top of such things. Hope Fais and Abhijit have a good outing in the regionals.
I do know that Amit and Afroze are going to be out of town and may not be available for this tournament. Not sure about other selected, that is why I said unavailable or anyone's fault. Not sure that we can easily blame someone for this as I don't know the complete details.
Some clear communication on this from Management team would help.
$86,000.00 in revenue from some 40+ teams in end what we get is 0 players from MWCC in CER. Do we have leaders to take cricket to next level or is it India/Pakistan style of money making politics.
Gentlemen (and ladies if there are any on this blog),
Please refrain from using foul language on this blog, at any cost. There are certain posts that don't use foul language, but are borderline acceptable. I prefer not to "police", but to let you use your best judgement. But foul language has no place here (including substituting letters with characters), so please find another way to phrase it. I'm sure you will find creative ways to do this.
Thank you, and please do keep expressing your opinions as you feel the need to.
I do know that Amit and Afroze are going to be out of town and may not be available for this tournament. Not sure about other selected, that is why I said unavailable or anyone's fault. Not sure that we can easily blame someone for this as I don't know the complete details. ================================= Just as ACC and others are replacing their players with others, MWCC has the right to do the same. I have info from the board that MWCC never even made an attemtpt to reply to their request with replacements. I apologize for flying off the handle, but that was the last nail in the coffin. I am done messing with this league.
Don't apologize. What is wrong with wanting better things for our players and our league? What is wrong with questioning bad decisions or poor leadership at times?
I didn't know the background and that is why was unsure of how this situation came about, but either way it should never have happened and it is a poor reflection on the league as a whole - though not everyone is at fault for this!!!!
This is very disappointing, but even more disappointing is that there are few people who care.
It is heartening to know that they are getting a chance to play for CER team.
Must apprecite what you do for your team. ================================== Ajoy, I appreciate the kind words. If I can do this at a club level, then why we are not doing it at a conference level? Can someone please, please tell me why? Are we so bitter that we are willing to sacrifice our talent to soothe our ego? Is that leadership or as NJ said India/Pakistan money making politics? and for all those who made claims during the AGM that things will change for the better, where are you? Which rock have you crawled under? Come out, be a man and explain.
This is the first time I am more involved in the league matters as I am responsible for the interests of my Team this year. The more I dwell into it, the more I feel for the way this league is run.
I have played cricket at various levels and in various leagues and have also been part of running a league, and given the situation I completely understand the way many of us feel.
Management is not done by just being reactive, a proactive management is more successful.
Ajoy, the sad part is that they are not even reactive. The problem is that opposition is in minority and therefore current managemnet feels they can do anything and get away with it. Apparently majority in this league have no interest in how the league is run and probably never seen or played good Cricket.
Then one also has to understand that being a better cricketer or a popular person does not make you a good manager of affairs.
What I fail to understand is that, once there are systems and processes in place, why cant they be followed and I am sure if that is made sure of then there will more happy and content souls around.
What I fail to understand is that, once there are systems and processes in place, why cant they be followed. ============================= ...because there is no accountability. Rules and regulations hold no meaning. They can be overridden within a blink of an eye as we have witnessed in the past (overnight memo from the mgmt threatening to suspend players if they represent another league in CER, which is in direct conflict with MCC ground rule 31.1). There is no hope for this league as long as this mgmt is in power. We lost 19 teams in DIV II this year. we will loose more teams next year, guaranteed.
Too bad!!!!! The CER Champions have no representation in the Zonal Team. Very very sad, i must say. I am surpised to see Jaggi using F word... Presedential candidate (May be future president of MWCC) using this kind of langauge .... too bad. Hope less case. I am speechless on both issues.
Say I did that to Rup, how would he like it? I'd expect a beamer next ball, though Rup may be too nice a guy for that..... =========================== I would never try to beamer you or anyone for that matter... Just a nice little conv with some polite jestures to let you know my feelings and thoughts..That is if i do bowl the delivery..There is not rule against me having 10 dead balls in a row now???
This was discussed breifly at the ump conf but on reverse sweep which is the same as changing stands IMHO.. Ans..all rules apply to the original stand taken.
Sad isn't it... Already signs and implied conversations for Jaggi to come to the rescue of this league.. He did that in the last elections..I will not blame him if he chooses to not do it again..you all may need Bush to step in cause I am out for sure. If you are the Captain did you vote for Jaggi..if not did you have a say in the vote.. Every team listening needs to be proactive.. make sure your vote is a team vote and not your captain's which I feel happened a lot in the last election.. "Change in the grass root level will see change in the upper level"
It is sad that our MCC boys are not going to next level.. finally we have decide to showcase and were we good..then a knee jerk and we are back to square 1. who ever is responsible for this needs to be sent to Guantamo!!!!
This whole Fiasco of players selected and not going needs to be addressed.. We have a bunch of aspiring political screwballs running for nowhere running the show.. Given.....?? These events,, CER.. Regionals,,TAR, MAQR..whatever R?? are all organized and advised on with enough time by USACA..
We need to be selecting players who we know for sure will be available for sure to play all the way (unless Emergencies). We cannot pick players to play only the first leg..and then drop out because they had vacations planned. One has to sacrifice some thing to make it to the top.
Yes, I did use the F bomb, bcos I was totally frustrated. Adi talked to me and asked me to be more responsible in my language. I apologize and will make sure I express my thoughts carefully. Thanks Adi !!
Like I have said in the past, the CER is very near and dear to me. I strongly feel that our talent should get maximum visibility and our players get to play for the US national team. The current management screwed me when I was the general secretary by not participating and giving ridiculous reasons. Now they are doing it all over again.
I definitely applaud Adnan's work and thank him for doing the right thing for cricket.
WIZ,...You will never get an apology from me for using a slang over frustration trying to convince people like you that seems to have a leg on both side of the fence..We got major problems in the way our league is being run and take care of. You can ask BH what confu said about man who sits with his legs on both side of fence!!!.
If it was me i will be asking you which foot you want up your ??
all bloggers i have been following the proceedings here i am very surprised to see people are wasting so much energy here for no reason when u already know the end result everyone needs to relax little bit rewind i think you should all sit in one place and find common ground reason why people don't care about these things is 'politics is game for scoundrels' no matter which side you are on or which side your leg is on or which side of fence u belong bottom line is most don't care cuz they want to play cricket peacefully and happily get their monies worth already there is drama in everyone life with family, wife, kids, gas prices, environment etc who cares about cricket we aren't even playin professionally if u ask me instead of yelling wasting precious energy call mgt set up a meeting with mgmt see if problems can be resolved what you need to understand they are the elected mgmt u have to give up some space first see if u can work it out if you r thinking day will come when everythig will so perfect as u guys seem to claim i doubt it everyone have their dents and no one is perfect promising something close to pefect is blasphemous its time guys... seem like u guys have so much of energy why waste it yelling here when u things won't get done use instead use it in a positive way if you climb three steps i think they will climb down 1 atleast to meet sit in the middle and discuss... democracy is sort of dictatorship if u ask me people in power always are dictator for people who r not in power that is equation of balance of power.. dont' mistake iam not taking any sides all iam trying to say is no one is absolutely right or absolutely wrong in real world its all lies in ones perspective i hope its not too deep for this blog but bottom line is its time to find a way to fix issues if you guys truely love this league as u claim i dont' thiink it will be too much to ask to give up ur egos and meet the mgt guys in middle for a permanent resolution that would appease most.. confucius always says there is never a solution that satifies everyone no matter how u shove it..peace
Aditya, Can you rename this thread to 'Controversies' and start another thread for 'predictions and results'. There are 70+ posts on this thread and unfortunately none about cricket.
----------- Preetam N said... Aditya, Can you rename this thread to 'Controversies' and start another thread for 'predictions and results'. There are 70+ posts on this thread and unfortunately none about cricket. --------
Come on Preetam :-) How is discussion about CER not about cricket? It is completely about cricket - and the most important sort of cricket there should be, for our level. Its like talking about the Ranjis if youre an Indian cricket fan - the basis of everything.
The regionals are *the* biggest thing in cricket in the USA - all you have to do is ask anyone who is involved in cricket anywhere else in the USA (outside of the Central-East region). Its what all players think about most, its what they talk about most. Two teams go on from the Western Regionals (which is what the CER team is playing July 4th) to the Nationals.. and all the other teams are *desperate* to make it. Last year Southwest (LA) and Central-West (Dallas, Houston etc) made it.. and the North-West region is *desperate* to change that and knock off the other regions this year. Its well known that, when they had a one-day camp in SanFran, players from other regions (Seattle etc) flew into SanFran for *one day*, for a bloody net practice! Thats how much importance its being given. For the past 3 weeks, apparently, the entire North-West team (which was selected a month ago, BTW) has been playing matches together as a unit (rather than in local leagues) so that they are united and ready and peaking as a team for the regionals.. and they live in cities that are sometimes a 10-hour drive from each other! Heck, you only have to look at Sean.. whose Central-West team was announced a week or two ago, and who is checking into *our* blog to see how we're doing with regard to the regionals :-)
And here we have us, the CER.. whose champion team will have *zero* players in the actual CER squad! Its beyond belief. It would be hilarious if it wasnt so bloody sad.
I dont know the details of what happened here, but either way there is plenty of blame to go around to everyone for this sort of fiasco. If MWCC was told their players had been picked and only needed to reply and accept(the truth of which we dont really know)... but if it happened, then its mostly our fault.
But even then there is blame to go around.. .if you were in the management of the Central-East region, and your team had gotten slaughtered by other regions year after year, so much so that cricket in the midwest has become a national joke in USA-cricket circles (last year, for eg, Southwest - LA etc - made 380 in 50 overs and bowled CER out for 90 odd to win by almost 300 runs in a 50-over match.. thats the kind of slaughter Iam talking about).. if that was the state of your CER team, wouldnt you want to make absolutely sure you had the best players in the region playing this year, just so you wouldnt be humiliated again? If I was CER prez, Id bloody call the best players every day, day after day, to try and convince them to be part of the team myself - just so my team wouldnt be humiliated again. Instead of just sending a message to the league with a deadline (if thats what indeed happened) and leavnig it at that.
Either way, its horribly sad to see the team thats actually been picked to represent the CER at the Regionals - especially since I spent an entire long-weekend at the regionals and saw all the teams there. Once more, IMHO, the CER team will get trashed by all and sundry at the Western Regionals - and the rest of the country's cricketers will continue to laugh at the midwest, and say nobody knows how to actually play cricket between the coasts (with the now honorable exception of Texas). The only people who know that isnt true is us - and that means jack-shit if we dont go out and actually prove it on the field. Which, once again, we will not be doing.
But either way, make no mistake, this is very much about cricket. It is all about cricket, and the most important cricket at that - sort of like the Ranjis are to Indian cricket. The CER is in a horrible situation - we're kind of like the Tripura of the Ranjis, given our performances at USA level - a real laughing stock. To not have the best players playing for the CER squad at the regionals (when MWCC did actually play and dominate the CER tournament this year) and at least try to rise from Tripura status (to maybe Hyderabad status ;-) is beyond sad, IMHO.
If I was CER prez, Id bloody call the best players every day, day after day, to try and convince them to be part of the team myself - just so my team wouldnt be humiliated again. Instead of just sending a message to the league with a deadline (if thats what indeed happened) and leavnig it at that. ================================ Sadiq it's not that easy. Without the support of the league, Players can't do jack, because they sure as hell ain't payin' their own air fare to participate (with the exception of Faisal and Abhi)in this tournament. And as far as the CER board is concerned they are already at odds with MWCC pres. We gave them the satisfaction of not having our players part of the CER squad.
my opinion , the whole league thing is bogus, people who are managing the league are bunch of self satisfying people and the people who are trying to run this league have got their own issues. if we had 6 or so players selected in the nationals why we have none representing that's out of my horizon, as far as 2 from NCL aren't they supposed to be representing MWCC, coz they are playing in MWCC, aren't they. Ajoy, is your bitterness with Sohail or is it with the league. didn't you play wiht him last year.
you know what's funny is, how some corrupt people with help of people in your league is using WP1 without any games being played on that ground, and yes that TA fault that ground is not your's and some fake league is using that ground for imaginative games.
i see this bickereing going on everyday and you guys ain't going no where, it's bunch of bologny. this is not platform for politics, i liked this blog when it was all cricket, games going to be played and games that were played, people giveing their opinions on who would win on what basis and what they saw during the game. since this year this blog has become nothing but crying wolves. i used to come on this blog because i used to play in this league and enjoy following it, ADIOS to you all. i promise you want see me here again.
Fellas, After reading the whole day's comments, I've come to realize that we are wasting our energy (like someone said earlier in here) by ripping each other apart, be that the management or the opposition (couldnt find a better word).
I honestly didnt feel like contributing today, as there was enough negativity already (not that I wanted to be negative).
Here is what I think we should do...and it'll be great if we can execute this:
1. Identify a few individuals in here, who are willing to stand up and represent the players. Now, lets not call this a union or anything, but be positive and be volunteers to do the dirty job. It will be more or like a few positive individuals who wishes the betterment of the league. We can clearly see that Adnan, Jaggi, Adi, Rup, Ajoy, Preetam, Ram, C8W - they are all on the same page - to make this league a better place. Now, its the methodology thats different.
2. What if all of these folks (its hypothetical) come together and diplomatically arrange a meeting with the management (hopefully the mgmt will agree to meet). Now, when we request (please note the humility, coz we need this more than the mgmt) a meeting, we should do the same in such a way that the management does not get offended. Rather than being offensive and getting nowhere, we can try to be positive and say that we need to work together.
3. If the mgmt agrees to meet, then we can make an agenda and make a list of issues we want to talk about.
4. If we meet and hopefully we meet, keep it as civil as possible, I think we can get a lot of things resolved.
Now I know a lot of folks in here would think that I'm naive or stupid to come up with this idea, but I think this is the only way we (the so called opposition or people with a stand) can communicate and help the league.
If we get more negative day by day, that only gets us more frustrated and will not get anything done in terms of our objectives.
So brothers, my request would be to work together to make this league a better place.
And I will be the first person to take the initiative to reach out and communicate with everybody to make this happen.
C8W, Please look at the heading of the thread and look at what we are discussing. That is all I wanted to point out. In the last two threads has anybody talked about any matches, predictions or even results barring one or two. Like Shekhs mentioned there is too much negativity. And as he rightly said nothing can be achieved without a meeting of the minds. If this league needs to get better we all do need to work together.
What if all of these folks (its hypothetical) come together and diplomatically arrange a meeting with the management (hopefully the mgmt will agree to meet). ========================== Shekhs bhai, are you planning to have all of us fly out to Philly to meet the president, or maybe to St. Louis? One can't even get a hold of them through email, how do you expect them to meet in person? My suggestion, suck it up, vent your frustrations on the blog and hope for the best come 2010. Preetam no one is stopping from you or anyone from talking about the matches, this is an open blog, so please don't force others to talk about what you want to talk about.
mwcc prez has ego as big as his height but adnan you are no less whrn it comes to being egocentric ============================== How so? What have I done? I thought we were buddies cric. Did I rub you the wrong way?
Adnan, I understand that we cant get hold of the mgmt.. But, maybe we can try communicating in a different way. To be brutally honest with you, your relationship with the mgmt aint exactly the best, so maybe we can take a step back and try something different.
I aint no saint either...I've got my own Q of issues..but if we all just vent on the blog..it might look like a COORs light commercial.. :-)
To suck it up and vent on the blog is the easiest thing to do....but if we make a consummate effort in communicating, you never know, we might get a break and they will probably listen to us..
I agree with Shekh. Unless the management is approached and presented the point of view of players and others, one will not know what they have in mind and how they percieve it.
Then based on that decide your future course of action.
Cricketkrazy Said.... Ajoy, is your bitterness with Sohail or is it with the league. didn't you play wiht him last year. ---------------
Well my dear friend, whoever you are, I have nothing against Sohail, We still meet almost every weekend on the cricket field. I still enjoy watch him bat and we have cordial relationships. We do not mix friendship with differences on the pitch.
Also if you carefully read what i had posted, it was all about rescheduling games without taking teams into confidence. So please refrain from making comments on individual relationships.
Then based on that decide your future course of action. ============================== What other possible future course of action could there be? People are ignorant Ajoy, prime example is in front of you. People don't want to talk about this issue, they want predictions and match analysis. Let's see how many people come forward besides the usual suspects to tackle this issue? In my opinion not a single person.
I agree with Shekar *********************** attempt needs to done or what ever it takes to build or rebuild the relationship thats lost in litigation or agitation how ever may bloggers put it..After all they are elected members of this league..Anyone who has betterment of this league in mind should be able step up and patch up ..start a new chapter begin a new day..There has to be start some where...This not first time history such a dead lock is happening..A good leader is not just talking about winning the election when lost.. but having lost the election has dignity to sit on the sidelines and still lead with positive steps to improve this league....A good leader will always find way to do that no matter what the odds are..no excuses! Splitting this league is not option at all
Take three things that are achievable for this season (as season is midway) work on it to get resolution with mgmt and take credit for it..Empty talk with no actions will not fetch any sympathy for anyone sheks ur in the right direction make it happen ..I would suggest following three.. bloggers can add anymore: 1. MWCC Mini Worldcup (members Appreciation weekend) - Organize it well with plenty of volunteers for players including families. Appreciate the clubs for being members and playing so much money for dues and giving up their time in the summer. 2. Playoffs - Make it special experience for every one. start games on time, umpiring, food, etc make one professional experience for teams that make it to the playoffs 3. Sponsors - Need sponsorship for this league to reduce the burden of membership for the clubs.
My house is like 4 miles from the Missouri river and as per this morning's information the Levy is 70% under water. They are expecting water to reach adjoining fields by sunday.
Hopefully it will recede before it reaches my house. They may be I will also have to canoe to work :)
Shekhs Aravind of Challengers has gladly consented to be the VP of Abid Laheri Tournament and will be responsible for the conduct of the tournament. His contact information will be provided shortly. In the meantime, should you have any questions or need clarifications, please contact management@midwestcricket.org. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ alright sheksy!!! one more things "There is room for one more team in the tournament to make it a 12-team tournament. Acceptance will be on a first-cum-first-served basis". first cum??? yikes!
One way or other, Yeah,we will try our best to accomodate those 3 : 1. MWCC Mini Worldcup - Thats in the works and from what I've heard is definitely going to happen this year. Please give credit to the mgmt for that. We'll definitely try our best to accomodate whatever possible. 2. Playoffs - Make it special experience for every one. start games on time, umpiring, food, etc make one professional experience for teams that make it to the playoffs
Very good idea - will definitely keep that in mind. 3. Sponsors - This is probably the single most challenging thing. This is where we need help from everybody.
And to make any of the above a success, we need to work together, we need help from all of you.
can some one tell webmaster to stop browsing for porn its effecting his lingual skills what a gaffy 'first_cum_first_served' right on the main page of mcc don't want to be part of that 12th team which get served what?
all u r forgetting biggest issue. tariq ahmad. why? here goes:
1 every1 know if u oppose him will get screwed.
2 so many election promises. equal number broken promises.
3 just bcoz he elected doesnt mean he always right. sometimes needs 2 listen not just do.
4 management style is poor. if everything has 2 go thru him then nothing will happen. there is no balance.
5 he believes has all power and we give 2 him. instead power should b with captains/managers 2 vote and make rules not just mgmt put up memos.
ppl need 2 wake up and smell the crap. div 2 is reducing. enthusiasm is going. more teams will leave. if this not changed soon mwcc will bcome old self. 15 teams in total!!!
shekhs u try all u want. i support u and hope i am wrong. but all know that in the end nothing will change. still worth try so go for it and i support all i can.
confushus say: if it smell like bs and look like bs and feel like bs then it is bs!
confushus also say: cannot teach old dog new tricks. not even dog with napoleon complex!
confushus also say: cannot teach old dog new tricks. not even dog with napoleon complex! ================================= BH you must have been in this league as long as I have been. You have wisdom that is unmatched on this blog.
Rather than few of us taking the issue of MWCC not playing in Regionals ... it should be the players who missed the bus ... because of negligency of somebody !!
Also rather than having the best players represent the MWCC, it should be more focussed on players who dream of representing US cricket team in future .. In this case, they will always push the mgmt in case of any such situations ...
In short it is time to create a new league or championship league and dump MWCC if things do not change, mind MWCC is a private association run by Tariq, and he is not going to hand to anyone cutting his profits. So cut all this crap and start fress with a structure that leads cricket as front runner.
Preetam, we have found that having two active threads in a week has not worked. We can have multiple conversations in the same thread. Just pick and chose which you would like to talk about.
Here is a topic on Cricket .. Generally when you are a good batsman, you can easily play good, long innings .. But how do you condition your mind when are not such a good batsman and want to play long innings ... Last match, before playing every ball, I was constantly reminding myself that I do not want to get out .. and it worked till almost 29-30 overs .. before i finally was run-out ...
What do others in MWCC do ? I am interested in knowing ..
Appu, I agree its the players who missed the bus who need to express their grievances. But, do we know for sure if they were contacted, and they were not available or something like that.
I think for future purposes and tourney's we name a person who is willing to talk to the management, represnting all of us.
I suggest Aditya's name, since he was not part of any political team/ agenda.
Maybe he can represnt us and talk to the mgmt whenver we have to address an issue.
And maybe we need to talk before we blow a lot of air under the issue..
------- Shekhs said... One way or other, Yeah,we will try our best to accomodate those 3 : 1. MWCC Mini Worldcup - Thats in the works and from what I've heard is definitely going to happen this year. Please give credit to the mgmt for that. We'll definitely try our best to accomodate whatever possible. -----
Excellent ideas, Sheks - there seems to be so much bitterness on both sides that its almost like perpetual warfare. Something has got to change for the betterment of the league - some sort of mandwali, if you will :-)
As for the above.. another very good idea. Do we know when it can happen? July 4th would be a great time, but maybe there isnt enough time to fit that in now. How about Labor Day weekend? Other than that there will be no time available at all until mid-October (which will be too late). Let management pick a date, and then everyone who is willing to help out can get going on it, if possible.
yeah C8W, I highly doubt its gonna be the july 4th weekend....
I dont have any clue as to when this will happen, but will definitely let you know as soon as I hear something. I know that there is something in the works, especially since we are not sending a team to LA this year.
Speaking of LA, I haven't heard and by talking to ppl, have not heard anybody talk about LA Open this year. Is that called off?
Has everyone played at Hanover this year so far? What do people think of it? I really dislike the new boundaries - the ground has become way too small, postage-stamp sized almost, IMHO. I walked off the square boundary and it was barely 60 yards! (It took me 61 steps, most steps not a full yard Id guess). Thats tiny! And there's no reason for it, since this ground was always at least 8-10 yards bigger all the way around. The boundary on the "parkinglot side" use to be almost halfway into the softball infield, and then proportionately big all the way thru.. instead this time it doesnt even reach the softball infield, and is proportionately smaller the entire way around. The astro at Hanover anyway gives nothing for bowlers - if the ground is going to be made so ridiculously small as well, there will be nothing left for bowling at all :-) Is there any way we can go back to the old boundaries? It would just require marking out the edge again with chalk/paint or whatever, not so hard to do, no? Especially for night cricket, the scores will end up being ridiculous with the current boundaries IMHO.
Similarly, BTW, in the infield at Hanover there were two separate 30-yard-circles drawn last weekend (one was at about 22 yards, the other at about 28 yards - presumably the latter was supposed to be the 30-yard circle).. apparently they said there was some sort of charity walk that led to it or something. Something to watch out for for whoever plays there this weekend and beyond - maybe talk about it before the match to the umpire and other teams, make clear to everyone which circle is the correct one to be used all day etc.
Speaking of LA, I haven't heard and by talking to ppl, have not heard anybody talk about LA Open this year. Is that called off? =========================== L.A. Open is cancelled this year.
Congrats Shekhs..have fun with the night tourney....
Amazing isn't it.. a grape vine promise for a Mini world cup and all is well again..
When you all are able to get MGT for a round table disussion let me know and i will join.
There has been several attempts by Aditya and Jaggi to get memebers to support an emergency discussion..not much help came. This is the main reason why MGt will not sit down with us because the feel a majority of the teams don't give a hoot..
You guys are killing me..telling me to express my frustration and anger in a positive way.. don't be negative.. How do you do that??
It might a good opportunity for Chicago open? It is such a money spinning machine league profits from it and all expenses for the CER team and for other tournaments can be covered out there..? May dues for clubs can be reduced by having players volunteer to run it..Any takers
Rup, First of all, you and me are on the same side/ team...remember..? :-) Hey, I took up the opportunity of the night tourney to open up an avenue for dialogs. I know Jaggi and Adi tried to reach out, but then we need to keep trying.
Here's why we need to stay positive: 1. Being negative and getting frustrated is only gonna make us lose our hair(believe me-I know a thing or 2 when it comes to that). 2. The more negative and offensive we become, the more non-responsive will be the mgmt. 3. Is it gonna get us anywhere with the mgmt getting pissed off and us getting all worked up..?
Thats the only reason my brother that I suggested we be postive. We definitely need to keep working as team to be successful in the future.
About the mini world cup grape vine...yeah thats still a rumor.. Lets take that as our first step to try to execute using dialogs...
We don't have the infrastructure to invite international players. ----------------------------------- Don't have to think too big but invite just local players from different conferences like Florida, Texas, Minnesota, Calif let the best of the best from local teams here in US compete first then we can invite the international stars later. Make use of what we have and provide better facilities for the team that come... Think small and diversify the idea into something big later..Besides, I don't think United should have any problems to get few international stars to represent their team would they..? :-)
Confusius say a person who thinks small can get it done big!
One thing I learned from this season's bloggin is that - Confushus definitely made a big impact in our lil world........I dont think even Confushus himself has taken his name so many times.. :-)
Don't have to think too big but invite just local players from different conferences like Florida, Texas, Minnesota, Calif let the best of the best from local teams here in US compete first then we can invite the international stars later. Make use of what we have and provide better facilities for the team that come... Think small and diversify the idea into something big later..Besides, I don't think United should have any problems to get few international stars to represent their team would they..? :-) ================================= We can certainly bring in international stars, but we don't want to be embarassed, by having them take a Pee in the bushes :)
Alpesh ji, I think the big guns need to answer your question. I get out whenever a good ball comes my way. And i think if anybody knew that answer they would be playing a higher level of cricket. Good question but no answer. Rup, Shekhs anybody...care to answer Alpesh's question.
guys all great ideas. but have u considered the obvious? maybe mgmt not want interact with outside. notice glcc, acc, ucc, ncl, minesota, etc interact with each other. only league not interact is mwcc. we think we victimised with politiks. mayb we not want 2 participate. mayb mgmt not mess up with regionals team. mayb they not want sent ppl! look closely.
confushus say: the greatest thing the devil did was make us believe he did not exist!
Adnan, I bet thats exactly what they used to do before they became 'stars'.;) ============================ I am picking up Mohd Saif tomorrow, I will ask him and if he says, he had never done it then you loose a bet.
before playing every ball, I was constantly reminding myself that I do not want to get out .. and it worked till almost 29-30 overs .. before i finally was run-out ... =========================== long innings...curious how much you scored???.
I was told and trained that if you play every ball on it merit you have a great chance of playing a long innings... what does this mean..Aknowledge good bowling and put a whooping to bad bowling.. play to your strengths .. correct your weakness in practice not in the match ..
Shekhs..don't loose the few left my friend.. Am cool with you helping out with the night tour.. I will confirm tomorrow if we can field a WI team or not..if there is still a spot by the way???
"Adnan said... Has there been a case where a runner was not allowed because the batsman was cramped? If not then every player who has a cramp should get a runner. Why should that be left to Umpire's discretion? There has also been a fallacy that the Captain of the fielding side must approve whether a runner is required and Umpires have actually asked for Captain's permission before they would allow one."
If you're asking for international level then there have been several such instances most famously Pak vs NZ 1st test 2002. Inzamam was denied a runner by Fleming, but he went on to score 329 (limping for the last 108 runs).
Apologies for blogging in like this, we heard Faisal Iqbal had played for some team in this league and wanted to get some details about the game.
Apologies for blogging in like this, we heard Faisal Iqbal had played for some team in this league and wanted to get some details about the game. ============================= Faisal Iqbal played for United Cricket Club. Game: United against pak Gym http://www.midwestcricket.org/asp/Score88.asp?id=2978
--- If I was CER prez, Id bloody call the best players every day, day after day, to try and convince them to be part of the team myself - just so my team wouldnt be humiliated again. ---
And how would you get their phone numbers? Go to MCC webpage, find which of the 40 teams they play for, call their captains, get the players' contact info, and then call them?
I don't know of any regional prez who would do all that. Since you gave the example of Northwest, let me tell you that even though the leagues co-operate with each other, I doubt the president will start calling players from other leagues on a daily basis.
Since you also gave the example of Ranjis, I doubt a West Zone selector from Saurashtra will call Bombay players on a daily basis to ask them to kindly play in Duleep/Deodhar Trophy. It's up to every league to look after their own.
You are basically trying to deflect criticism from your friends.
BTW, after the whole suspension/show-cause/remorse/god-promise/mother-promise drama, even if CER prez called, which MCC player in his right mind would give a commitment without asking management? The last 6 guys to give a commitment to play for non-MCC team in a USACA event, without asking mgmt, were punished. Apart from a few United CC guys, who will do it all over again?
Even United CC has given a strict warning to Faisal Iqbal that if selected to play for Pakistan again, he should get written consent of MCC mgmt first. After all, a Test match is not a USACA event, so he will be banned under the great "league exclusivity" rule.
Yep ... I agree with you Samarth .. Faisal Iqbal cannot play for Pakistan now .. since he played for MWCC .. :-) unless he gets approval by MWCC mgmt ...
If cricket doesn't pan out for you (despite your talents), you should consider stand-up. I can just see you going through your monologue in a Jerry Springer like voice. Hilarious!!!! Maybe you should provide weekly commentary for the actual article, instead of just a post. :)
Big Hitter,
Congratulations on going national! If not your cricket play (which I know nothing about), at least your humour has been publicized! Maybe you and Samarth should do a two-people show!!
Good stuff guys. Always good to laugh at ourselves (or others). Keep the spot-light on issues, controversies, but lets not forget the cricket also. Any predictions for this week?
I will make sure to have Mohammad Saif, Kiran Kumar and Amit Joshi drop a note to MWCC magmt before they resume their duties at first class level in India.
Note: Congrats to Samarth for making the squad again. Samarth and Ruchir represnted CER in '06. This year Samarth will be part of South west (correct me if I am wrong)squad.
thank u thank u. am afraid go out now bcoz papparazzi. tuff 2 b celeb. now i not know how 2 behave. would like thank all little ppl who i stepped on 2 get here.
confushus say: man has 2 stand on someone's shoulders to get on top!
Does anybody know about the status of IIT vs LuckyXI game last week? I am just curious as i don't see any entry for that. Also, i think it is time for Rup to walk the talk and update his teams scorecard last week.
I hope you mean Jerry Seinfeld and not Jerry Springer. :-) The last person I aspire to be is Jerry Springer.
Adnan,
I didn't make regionals this year. I'm playing in Northwest Cricket League. Where do you think Sadiq gets all his info abt Northwest region from? :-) 5 players from my club will be representing Northwest region in Houston, including the captain. I'll ask them to watch out for Faiz and Abhi. ;-)
For the night tourney, would love to see the following:
1. An Opening Ceremony 2. Schedule in advance 3. Audience for games (initiatives from you to get people there) 4. Some publicity on the website / blog. 5. Playoffs done in style 6. Grand event out of the finals
These are my suggestions. Let me know if I can help you in anyway.
-------- Good stuff guys. Always good to laugh at ourselves (or others). Keep the spot-light on issues, -------
I was wondering if anyone would notice that there were actually *two* people quoted in the article... but nobody has noticed the second person quoted in it. Probably because he was described as "a cricketer" ;-)
--------- For the night tourney, would love to see the following: 1. An Opening Ceremony 2. Schedule in advance 6. Grand event out of the finals -------
Excellent suggestions - and some have happened before already, there was an Opening Ceremony a couple years ago for example.
My further suggestion would be this - instead of having 3 weekday games every week, have 2 weekday games.. and choose one "Game of the Week" to be held under lights on either Saturday night or Sunday night. This will help in the "drawing crowds" part IMHO - if its a really interesting game it will enable some people to show up and watch, much more than on weekdays (make sure this "Game of the Week" is by consensus most likely to be the most interesting game of the week tho. Most Saturday and Sunday nights there is no game at Hanover Park anyway (only sometimes, to alleviate a regular-season schedule-sqeeze, a regular season game is occasionally scheduled for a Saturday night - but that can be worked out with the scheduling committee in advance).
This will also, BTW, save the league money - which is always a good thing :-) The way I udnerstand it, it costs 100 bucks to hire Hanover Park on any day, and 70 bucks an hour for lights or some such. Thus on weekdays we are paying 100+light-cost for all night games. With one weekend game, we'll still be paying light costs, but the 100 bucks will be saved (since its already been paid for a game played earlier in the day on that ground).
Once we're doing this, we ought to also do this for the Grand Finale - hold it on a Saturday night, under lights, and make it a true happening (league providing food, music etc if possible). The capper for the 20/20 season (we could also get some media involved in reporting on it - local ethnic media, to be sure, but still).
Big Hitter ... ur first prediction proved incorrect .. We(Titans) managed to beat Jaguars by 7 runs ... in fact it would better to say that Jaguars missed the win by 7 runs ...
Jaguars team has very good hitting batsman .. they bat all the way till number 11 ... but their tempatation to play big shots when they required just 40 runs in 20 overs with 5 wickets in hand costed them the batch ... Ofcourse I won't take any credit away from my team .. as we took most of the catches that come our way and maintained our cool and attacked Jaguars as soon as we saw an opening ...
Finally a great feeling after winning the first match ...
Houston Cricket League (HCL) hosts upcoming national cricket tournament
HOUSTON – Tom Bass Regional Park will come alive on July 4th-6th when the best cricketers from 4 regions compete in the USACA (United States of America Cricket Association) 2008 Senior National Tournament, Western Conference Championship.
Players from the host Central West Region which includes players from cricket leagues in Houston, Dallas, Austin and Colorado will parade their skills in a tournament against teams from Central East, North West and South West. The tournament will be held from 9.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. during the three-day event. There is free admission for the tournament and the public is invited to attend.
Several states will be represented throughout the tournament. The Western Conference of USACA includes Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Kansas, Ohio, Wisconsin, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Colorado, South Dakota, Texas, Wyoming, New Mexico, Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, Alaska, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, California, Arizona, Hawaii, Nevada and Utah.
“This will be a great event for Houston, we are thrilled to be hosting a national tournament of the world’s second most popular sport” said Houston Cricket League President Fayyaz Sarwar, “The Houston Cricket League is ready to show the nation an action packed and well organized event. It will be especially exciting to watch the four players from our Central West Region team that recently represented the US national cricket team in Jersey.” (Sushil Nadkarni and Niraj Shah from Houston and Orlando Baker and Rahul Kukreti from Dallas)
Cricket has been played in Houston for almost 50 years. Tom Bass Regional Park has been the central location for all cricketers in this city for almost 20 years. There are 5 cricket fields located with-in the park. Every Sunday, cricket loving players and fans in the city and the state come together to participate in a game they dearly love.
The sport of cricket is growing in Houston by leaps and bounds and the upcoming tournament is a great way to showcase this great sport to the public. For more information on the event, the sport of cricket and cricket in Houston, visit www.houstoncricket.org.
Tom Bass Regional Park is located at 3452 Fellows Road, Houston, Texas 77047
============================== Massiah Said "I think if I had three months of competition under my belt, there was no way I could see ourselves failing," he said "We would beat those teams easily." _________________________________ Rmemeber I said, "whilst the other teams were busy preparing our buys wwe having some good old USA fun". Now he crying lack of preparation ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Questions have also been asked about the national selectors who, unlike almost every other country, remain unknown. Ostensibly this is to prevent undue pressure being put on them, but it has led to accusations of unfairness and secrecy. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Does this sound like something we say frequently in MCC... As stated it's a freaking Joke when it come to selecting the USA team and coaches
Sean looks like you are way pass excited about the upcoming event.. That good..i like that, knowing there are still some good cricket lovers out there. Good luck to the success of the event. ------------------------ G-friend any my fellow MCC players. Sorry i did not get our score for last game in. Got busy, lost track of time and when i tried last night 11pm .. would not let me. I have submitted a request for help so i can enter the scores.
GOOD SIGN OF MWCC CHANGING AND IMPROVING ON WHAT WE HAVE BEEN SCARPPING ABOUT ON BLOGS. MWCC IS SHOWING INTEREST IN EVENTS OTHER THAN OUR OWN AND HAVE STARTED TAKING INTEREST IN CRICKET IN OTHER COMPETITION.. DIVERSITY CUP ON MWCC WEBSITE IS ONE PROOF.
THIS IS TO OUR MANAGEMENT: "CRICKET IS WHAT ALL MATTERS"
WE ALL MEMBERS ARE HERE TO HELP MWCC FOR CRICKET CAUSE
I believe Muslim Gym beat Pak Gym today. Muslim Gym batted first, and Pak Gym fell short chasing. Not 100% sure, but I think Pak Gym got all out. There was some lusty hitting in that game though!!!!!!!!
Phoenix beat Chargers. We put the Chargers in to bat and they racked up 185 in 45 overs due to a really good knock from Kamran. We chased it down with 6 wickets in hand and a little more than 5 overs to go. Adeel, our umpire, did a pretty good job today. Thanks.
------ Aditya said... Quick update: I believe Muslim Gym beat Pak Gym today. Muslim Gym batted first, and Pak Gym fell short chasing. Not 100% sure, but I think Pak Gym got all out. There was some lusty hitting in that game though!!!!!!!! ------
Sheesh. Can someone please post a better report on this game than Adi's? :-) This is always historically one of the best games of the MCC season - Ive usually tried to be umpiring somewhere in WP on the day these 2 play each other, but couldnt make it this time due to having to ump in Milwaukee.
Adi's update was appreciated.. but looking at the weekly summary the game sounded quite amazing. Muslim 183 allout,Pak chasing and 182 allout? Given the historical rivalry and all that happened in this game last year, this sounds like the game of the season (again) this year - maybe even approaching the Muslim/Pak game of 2-3 years ago which I still remember as one of the best games Ive ever seen.
Surely some of the Muslim and Pak guys are still on the blog.. can we have a detailed report on this game, please? :-)
(Meanwhile, congrats to Adi on the continued rolling along of the Phoenix juggernaut - when were you last actually dismissed, anyway? Oh, and we had a frustrating day in Milwaukee (Royals visiting).. Royals bowled great at the start, Milwaukee 24/2 after 10 overs, then Milwaukee recovered to 84/3 in about 24 overs.. and then totally collapsed to 100 allout! Royals were 2/0 in 1.3 overs in reply, when it rained. It stopped, we worked and fixed the pitch and runups.. and then it rained again. Finally game was called off while it was still raining at 5pm with split points - pity, cos it was set up to be a really fun chase).
------- Alpesh said... Sadiq Sir .. can also write something about the match... as he was the umpire ... -----
First, to let everyone know - I gave Alpesh out lbw :-) All bloggers, if you see me showing up to umpire your game, be afraid. Be very afraid.
Pretty crazy and excellent game, actually. Titans were 32/3 in 10 overs, before Tafazzul made a terrific 46 off 52 balls to carry Titans to 125/8 and 144/9. The last couple pairs then battled hard and well, and took Titans to 172 allout (the importance of those 47 runs would only be realized in retrospect).
The Jaguars are a deep and explosive batting lineup - last year they scored more runs than any other team in either division. They were very confident chasing 173 - they slid to 18/2, but continued playing positively, Ajay and Ashish motoring along to 73/2 in 11 overs. The frenetic pace continued, but at the cost of the odd wicket - break was taken at the fall of the 5th wicket, it was 130/5 in 19 overs. (Required: 43 in 21 overs with 5 wickets in hand). The ask was further reduced in a hurry - second over after break, Vishal lashed two more monster sixes, and Jaguars had rocketed to 147/5 in 21 overs. Required: 26 in 19 overs with 5 wickets in hand.
Then Vishal fell going for another big one, and suddenly things went horribly and completely wrong for the Jaguars in a hurry. Tafazzul was back in the attack and bowling a terrific spell, new batsmen were in, and the Titans started catching everything that went in the air. Taffazul took a wicket each in his last 3 overs, and Mukunt and Mughiz chipped in with one each, and suddenly the Jaguars tail (all of whom are actually good bats) had crumbled in the space of 5 overs. It went from 147/5 in 21 overs to 165 allout in 26 overs - a complete and stunning reversal of fortune, reemphasizing the glorious uncertainties of our game. I dont think even the Titans would have given themselves a chance at 147/5, but suddenly a couple of difficult chances stuck - and their game perceptibly went up a notch, the bowling got better, the fielding tighter, the catching immaculate. Its amazing what momentum can do - when the spirt of a side kicks up, they can pull off things they themselves may not have thought possible only 15 minutes earlier. Terrific game to watch (even if very hard on the Jaguars, who look a very good side - and did in this game too, but for the aberration of the last 15 or so minutes).
Then I trooped over next door and watched the end of the Wildcats and Advancers - another crazy game. In the morning Pawan had played another blinder of a knock - when I visited during break, the Advancers were exactly 100/1 in 19 overs with Pawan and Shakir in charge. I went back to umpiring next door, and suddenly it turned upside down for the Advancers too.. they went from 100/1 to 137 allout! And yet they managed to defend it - typically terrific performances by their spin trio (Shakir, Altaf and Pawan all got 2 or 3 wickets each IIRC), and the Wildcats fell 12 runs short in their chase. And they may have suffered an even bigger loss - Naren appeared to have twisted his knee quite badly early in the day, and was barely able to move (an MRI on the ACL was scheduled for Monday).. in an incredible act of bravery he was helped onto the field to bat as last man with 20+ needed (despite captain Romeen repeatedly telling him not to risk batting), and actually helped add 10 or so before Sachin fell at the other end. Iam sure all bloggers (even the non-Wildcats :-) will join me in wishing Naren the best - hope it isnt as serious as feared.
CCI won the toss and batted first set a target of 221 for Arena to chase.
Arena struggled in the first 10 overs, but Samir had other ideas. Samir brought Arena home with a scintillating 135 Not Out of 81 balls. Arena won by 5 wickets. This was an inning to watch with ball being hit crisply and cleanly all over the park. Samir hit 12 sixes and 4 fours in his inning.
3/4 rained out games for us...ouch!! :) 1 lost game to Purdue or else we could have been unbeaten :)
Special thanks to Asif (Milwaukee CC) for sharing few moments with my son, Rahul and giving bowling/batting tips...it was well worth the trip eventhough it was rained out. Thank you.
Wow.. seems it was a sunday of Recoveries and mess ups.. and add some Rain to cool it all off..
ICC vs QC.
ICC won the toss and elected to bat. We lost wicket at frequent interval and at the break we were 74 for 4.. Came out in da same mood.. and found ICC sitting at 113 for 8 with 9 overs to go. Dan and Youdeo then decided it time to step up.. Mixed with 6's, 4's and the odd sprint the put up 54 for the 9th wicket and saw us post 167. QC never realy had the advantage at any point batting..Slow start with wickets falling frequently saw them at 51 for 5 at break. Same mood after break as only dimpy was able to put any runs up. He was the last man out finally as QC were all out for 110. I hope and wish all the players who came up with injuries in this match a fast and healthy recovery.
George...ICC.. dislocated shoulder diving to stop a ball. QC player ...broken collar bone..diving for a catch QC player ..injured wrist trying to stop a hard drive back to the bowler.
It didnt look very pretty at the beginning as it was raining as we got into the ground......seemed like we had the rain gods with us, wherever we went. Rain finally stopped and we decided to play a 38 over game. Purdue won the toss and elected to bat (surprise..given our history of chasing).. Purdue started off with a bang with big hitting soumyang going after everything... They were 74/2 in 13 ..and that when Challengers decided to pull their socks up.. Nilesh and Darshan ran thru the batting...and Purdue were bundled out for 117 in 30 overs or so.. There was a breif interruption with rain around the 20 over mark...
Chasing 118, Challengers started disastrously losing Bhavesh in the first over.. From there it was all under control with ..swashbuckling Darshan playing like Darshan crafting a majestic 67..with Sanjay playing a brilliant anchor at the other end...this couldn't be scripted in any wrong way..
Challengers wrapped it up in 18.5 overs with Mahesh providing some big hits to close it out..
First of all what a game., who ever didn’t show up missed a cracker!!!
Muslim batted first, they were going slowly kamran only managed 10 odd runs while he was there till the 10th over I believe….then he got out so did the other opener. Then came in Mehmood who from the word go looked in great form, middling everything. Muslim short after lost another wicket some new guy. Then came in Mo, mehmood and mo had a good partnership. Mo smacked 5 sixes(3 of shahid big deal!!!). The tail did wag a little and Muslim ended up with 184 all out. Mo 46 and Mehmood 60odd.
Pak didn’t have a great start, they lost wickets at regular intervals. Maaz replacing his injured brother(SAAD) bowled with the same style as his brother and ripped through the middle order of PAK. By the 30over pak were reduced to 107/7. At this time shahid and raheel were in the middle. They built a solid partnership for like 50 some runs with shahid and raheel dealing in boundaries. Then when it looked like pak will ease home mehmood snatched a guaranteed six out of the air from raheel’s bat. If catches win matches this catch surely did. Shortly after, shahid unnecessarily went to smack kamran was caught at long on by mehmood again. Last wicket and pak needed 17 runs. In came Abid…..they got few singles and then out of nowhere Abid smacked 2 sixes consecutively to Arshad. And then again pak seemed to have had the game in the bag until Abid with the last ball of the same over Abid got out at a simple catch at cover, and muslin won by 1 run.
Meanwhile, congrats to Adi on the continued rolling along of the Phoenix juggernaut - when were you last actually dismissed, anyway?
C8W, thanks, but congrats must go to the entire team. Each game enough members have put their hands up and won the game for us as opposed to any singular individual.
ps. Juggernaut might be making a mountain out of a mole hill, but momentum has been kind to us. :)
Adi, sorry, didnt get a chance to reply to your previous comments on the night tourney.. 1. Is it going to be on Mon, Tue, and Wed only? Yes, its only gonna be Mon, tue, and Wed. 2. Where can we send in our scheduling requests. No contact info for you has been posted. You can send your scheduling requests to me - shekhs.aravind@gmail.com
3. When does the tourney start? Fortunately (about time) and unfortunately (short notice)...next week, next monday. 06/30/2008.
we are still trying to get a few last minute teams in, and thats whats taking so longto come up with the format and the schedule. Hopefully we will get it in soon.
Please let me know if you have any other questions. Thanks Shekhs
Thanks for the responses on the night tourney. Much appreciated.
Congrats on the win too. That's the Challengers team we all know so well.
Finally, you just cracked the funniest joke on this week's thread. Challengers the "under-dogs"???!!!! Pretty darn funny. Someone should write an article about your humour and not just Big Hitter's!
Ajoy, The mini world cup is supposed to be an all star weekend with the all stars representing their respective countries.. For example, Rup will represent West Indies, Adi will represent India, Faisal from United will represent Pakistan, Satha will represent Sri Lanka etc. I dont know if we can for m a sri lankan team, unless some of us non-stars become sri lankans for a weekend..I dont think Satha will mind that.. :-)
BH, i think its a bit early to make those predictions... I dont think the resilient cats are going anywhere..I think they'll make the playoffs..so will Pak Gym.. Thats just my opinion..
Well the sun will rise in the west...if Phoenix doesn't make the playoffs.. :-) thats on a humor note.. :-)
Ajoy, I'll definitely get the work out about samir for the Mini world cup. It would be awesome to watch him.. will he be able to make it all the way here? Maybe he can ride with Sohail/ Amit, assuming that they will be coming.
Shekhs, He would be willing to come I am sure. I will make sure that he comes :). I want this lad to get all the exposure he can get.:)
I am sure once you watch him play, you will agree that he is an amazing batsman with every shot in his armory. I am still under hangover of his batting yesterday.
Mini world cup..I like it but not the time.. Holiday week ends are tough on the Family plans and lots of the all stars may be missing.
Here is my take on the teams.. The last time we had 8 teams but seeing we only got two grounds i say 6 teams. India, Pakistan, West Indies, Rest of the world, MCC11, Mgt11. RW, MCC11 & Mgt11 will have to be filled with players who did not make the India, pak or WI team.
2 groups of 3 teams. 1 ground to each group. best two of each group move to Semi and finals prelim on Saturday. Semis & finals on Sunday Now hanover park kills the Partying or can we get permission for some ?? on the Sunday??
248 comments:
1 – 200 of 248 Newer› Newest»Continuing the last thread...
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Southpaw said...
The official reason for Tendulkar getting a runner against Pakistan in WC 2003 was hamstring pull, not cramps. He was limping after the game, around 1 hour after he was out. He was doubtful for the next game also. Whether he was faking it or not, I don't know. :-)
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This is also how I remember it, actually - that it was a hamstring issue with SRT, not a cramp per se.
However, this issue about "cramp" is a good question in general, and IMHO is a bit of a gray area nowadays in international cricket. In the end it comes down to the umpires judgement, and there are several instances in international cricket lately where batsmen *do* get runners even for just cramps (I think many more such cases recently than in the past, by far).
For example, Dhoni - my memory was that he has gotten runers for cramps on more than one occasion. A quick google search reveals this to be true - in 30 seconds of searching one can come up with:
http://www.rediff.com/cricket/2007/may/10india1.htm
(vs Bdesh: "but Dhoni, who used a runner for most part of his innings after being down with cramps, hit an unbeaten 91 as India posted 251 for 5 in 46 overs".)
http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/ci/content/story/223654.html
(vs Sri Lanka: "Then, despite struggling with cramps which forced him to score his last 53 runs with a runner, Dhoni stuck on and helped a jittery Venugopal Rao stay at the crease to guide India home".)
http://www.cricketndtv.com/convergence/ndtvcricket/cricketstory.aspx?id=SPOEN20080041502
(vs Australia: "It was a major setback for India and things got much worse when Dhoni, who was batting with a runner due to cramp, was run out for 37 just 19 runs later". )
Note, this is 3 different games for one player - and one who is often considered one of the fittest players around, actually.
The thing is, exhaustion can be one reason for cramp - but is hardly the only reason (even medically, they arent *completely* sure of all the reasons. Even medicinenet.com, for instance, says "It is not known exactly why muscle cramps develop. Insufficient stretching before exercise, exercising in the heat, and muscle fatigue may all play a role in their causation.". Note the equivocation, the "may" etc).
As an umpire, you have to make the decision as you see it in that particular case. This Saturday the Jaguars opener (Rohit) said he was starting to cramp.. I dont think I would have given him a runner at that time, it was early in the innings and there had been little to show that it was affecting his movement until then in my opinion.. but he didnt even ask for it, he actually asked to retire hurt instead, which I allowed. However I dont see it as a blanket rule myself - that I will never ever give a runner for cramping etc; sometimes its obvious that it is an in-game injury, was not carried over from before etc. In the end a cramp is a muscle-spasm - it isnt the same as a muscle-pull or a muscle-tear, but the area between can be gray enough IMHO that it is perfectly fair to leave it to an umpires discretion to take it on a case-by-case basis (as are most other things in cricket - from LBWs, to whether a ball delivered full-toss over waist was fast enough to be a no-ball or not. At every level umpires are left to make all those decisions - which may sometimes be imperfect, but are all part of the game IMHO).
c8w
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Shiraz said...
The only reason I am writing is because I have to admit, that Purdue was a great host to us last weekend.
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While Shiraz is allowed to be modest for his team and write only about the hosting, Iam allowed to write something about the actual cricket too :-) One of the highlights of the day for me was a completely terrific spell of spin bowling in tandem by Asmar and Nasir, which turned the whole game around. Purdue were cruising at 64/0 in 13 overs, when those two came on and altered the whole game - they suddenly started getting big turn and bounce, and claimed 6/22 between them in the next 9 overs! Both bowlers seemed to hit the zone together, bowled not a single loose ball over those 9 overs, and looked like taking wickets every over (and almost did, takign 6 in 9 overs!) Good spin is always fun to watch, and this was probably the fun-nest stretch of the game (well, maybe not for Purdue, but for the observer :-) Some very good catching in this period too - especially one running and diving by Nasir, and one by the kid substitute.
After the break it turned into a game of grinding attrition. Purdue defended and tried to preserve wickets, and took the odd single or two, getting 2-3 runs per over on average. Then Airaj hit a few at the end (after being hit on the chin, with blood flowing everywhere), and Purdue got something to defend on the board with 175 (90 runs for the last 4 wickets, using up 20+ remaining overs - slow cricket, but an excellent fightback from 80/6).
Rogers Park was a little short of batting (missing a couple players - opener Kamran, for one), and some poor shots early against disciplined bowling and catching from Purdue put them in a 40-odd for 5 hole which proved too much in the end. They fell 50 or so runs short in the end, with the weather closing in rapidly (the storm arrived almost exactly as we were coming off the field at the fall of the last wicket).
Good game overall, both teams showing some positive signs. After that early 60-run head start Rogers Park's bowling looked very good, especially their spin tandem really looked good in this game, both Asmar and Nasir are bowling extremely well. And RP's catching was better than I ever remember it - some very good catches held all day, a couple of them outstanding. Purdue looked improved as well - both Pradeep and Dr. Ravi returned for this game, which improves their bowling a fair bit, and a couple of their new guys contributed strongly as well (Saumyang and Airaj with runs, and Adeel with 2 early wickets).
c8w
Has there been a case where a runner was not allowed because the batsman was cramped? If not then every player who has a cramp should get a runner. Why should that be left to Umpire's discretion?
There has also been a fallacy that the Captain of the fielding side must approve whether a runner is required and Umpires have actually asked for Captain's permission before they would allow one. Just so everyone knows, Sadiq can you make that clear as well, so the next time the Captain of the fielding side tells me I cannot have a runner, I can quote you :) Shouldn't these topics be discussed during Umpiring training or be part of panel discussion?
Depleted Arena went to Collinsville with only 4 regular players available and from what I am informed, it was a game to remember.
Arena 78 all out.
Collinsville 49 All out.
Sure as hell.. a game to remember ..Ajoy.. these types of games don't usually happen frequently... Congrats to the whole team...
============================
for the last freaking time.. a captain does not have a say in allowing a runner... Umpire only..
so instead of some of you trying to be doctors to decide if it's cramp or crap why not choose the best way out..no runners allowed for cramps.
Why don't you all vote in this rule
"A batsman is not allowed to use a runner...PERIOD??."
Adnan ..
somewhere in the MCC umpire rule book .. it is written that allowing batsman a runner is upto Umpire's discretion ... As far as I know ... in International matches, the opposition captain has a say ...
And thats out MWCC umpire book ...
Thanks Rup.
Hope to continue the winning streak and also looking forward to playing you guys.
Any pointers on CCI, we are playing CCI next weekend in Urbana.
Just pissed at all this wasted..good blogging time...
I just don't get it. .. Here is something to read...
We went from 40 over to 45 for these younger 50y's to enjoy cricket.. We created a 30/30 Div (rest home) for them to enjoy but no!!!!!!!.. I can handle the heat and game.
F**k it ain't hot and we got crapimg issues. I don't know why they can't just play in and to their strength.
For you cramping freaks.. If you can hit 4's then hit 3's. If you can't run 3's then only run 2's. If you can't run 2's then only run 1's. and if you can't run 1 buy a fishing rod, find a pond and go f???????.
Finger you quote too much s***te sometimes. Everytime you start with Int players getting breaks you let MCC players think the they should too but for different resons
Ajoy hav't played CCI in several years.. sorry no help..
I will be asking you next week cause i think they are coming up to Chi town to play us first week in july.
Goo luck.
Coming back to Scheduling...
How many teams are willing to play away games on consecutive weekends?
We are in for a tough one, as we are scheduled to play games in Chicago on 12th and 19th July.
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Adnan said...
There has also been a fallacy that the Captain of the fielding side must approve whether a runner is required and Umpires have actually asked for Captain's permission before they would allow one. Just so everyone knows, Sadiq can you make that clear as well, so the next time the Captain of the fielding side tells me I cannot have a runner, I can quote you :) Shouldn't these topics be discussed during Umpiring training or be part of panel discussion?
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That part is very clear in the rules - it is entirely the umpire's decision to allow a runner or not. It doesnt have anything to do with the opposing captain in that sense - if the umpire allows you to have a runner, you have a runner, no matter what the opposing team thinks. What the umpire does is *inform* the fielding captain of his decision (thats inform, he doesnt have to get consent :-)
In practice, in our league, many people have this wrong - sometimes Ive even seen batsmen who want runners go straight to the opposing captain and ask (instead of asking the umpire).
And these topics *were* discussed during umpiring training, as far as I can recall. But most of the time was spent on rules. Maybe next year, once the basic rules are grounded well, we oughta spend more time on things that happen most often in our league which are sort of gray.. like too many people asking for runners, particular instances etc. (For example, in this case in the meeting, it was made clear that its the umpires call and its for injury.. but the specific "what happens if its a cramp" wasnt discussed, I dont think).
c8w
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Ajoy Lal said...
Coming back to Scheduling...
How many teams are willing to play away games on consecutive weekends?
We are in for a tough one, as we are scheduled to play games in Chicago on 12th and 19th July.
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You guys are spoiled from having a home ground, and mostly home games :-)
When I travelled with the Eagles to Springfield in the third week of the season (which they won, to go 3-0), that was their third consecutive away game to start the year, IIRC. And they said they were scheduled for a 4th consecutive away game too, except that might change with the rescheduling (overall IIRC they had 6 away games on the season).
With overall more than 1/3 of the games being away for all Div2 teams, Iam sure two consecutive away games arent that uncommon, really (tho hopefully 3 or 4 consecutive away games ought to be uncommon :-)
c8w
You guys are spoiled from having a home ground, and mostly home games :-)
---------------------------------------------
Yes, lets say we are spoilt, But the point here is not away games, the point here is travelling two consecutive weeks to Chicago.
I invite you to travel 350 miles to Saint Louis for two weekends and then pass any judgement.
Springfield and saint louis are 110 miles apart themselves. So please try and understand the underlaying point.
On second thoughts I like being called spoiled (spoilt)
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Alpesh said...
somewhere in the MCC umpire rule book .. it is written that allowing batsman a runner is upto Umpire's discretion ... As far as I know ... in International matches, the opposition captain has a say ...
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International law saith:
2.1(b) The umpires shall have discretion, for other wholly acceptable reasons, to allow a substitute for a fielder, or a runner for a batsman, at the start of the match or at any subsequent time.
..and later..
2. Objection to substitutes
The opposing captain shall have no right of objection to any player acting as a substitute on the field, nor as to where the substitute shall field. However, no substitute shall act as wicket-keeper.
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From the above its pretty clear to me that the opposing captain cant protest the granting of a runner by an umpire - not just in MWCC law, but in international law.
c8w
And as some people do not understand what is written and take everything literally and then there are officialls who just dont bother to respond despite being contacted.
Way to GO MWCC.
Ajoy,
Not sure if you want to hear this, but I agree with Sadiq. Our schedule was something like this:
MUCC Away, RPCC Home, Purdue Away, Peoria Away, and Milw CC Away. 4/5 away games to beign the season. Now MilwCC has been rescheduled to later in the season. All I can say is that it happens. It may have happened because of the overall league schedule and/or because of our requests. Don't get me wrong though, I am not complaining. Stuff like this happens, that's how it worked out this season, and its definitely been different other seasons.
You guys are rather spoiled having your own ground, but that's just part of the league!! :)
Congrats on your win. Good teams find a way to win consistently, whatever the situation may be. Just see PG, Wildcats, IIT, Peoria, Purdue, etc. Maybe we will add Arena to that list after this season. ;-)
Sorry Ajoy..
It's just one of the many F'ups that was in the schedule.
They tried their best to make the changes but 3 weeks had already been play so it was a struggle to clean an up.
I hope we have all learned a little.
Why don't you ask them to give you a week end schedule and play both games on one week end..worth a try..not guaranteed??
Aditya,
I am not against away games, the point here is that one fine day we find out that we are playing 2 games in chicago and then the home game against Jaguars which got rained out has been rescheduled as away game.
Dont you think officials should take teams into confidence before deciding anything like this.
Ajoy,
On reading your comments, it is a particularly difficult travel schedule for you guys though given the distance. Sorry it worked out for you that way.
Not sure what you meant by:
And as some people do not understand what is written and take everything literally and then there are officialls who just dont bother to respond despite being contacted.
Way to GO MWCC.
But I do detect a hint of sarcasm!! :)
Why don't you ask them to give you a week end schedule and play both games on one week end..worth a try..not guaranteed??
-------------------------------
Did that two weeks ago but someone should respond to us right??
Atleast let us know if the request is accepted or not. Or whatever the decision is. We will never shy from away games.
My whole point is where are we going with all this.
Teams are playing despite such cofusion and harships because of their love for the game and the time they enjoy together. I am sure many of you will second me on this.
But I do detect a hint of sarcasm!! :)
--------------------------
Hint of sarcasm, it was nothing but Sarcasm...
:)
Ajoy,
Didn't know the background on the issue. But yes, I do believe that if a game is going to be rescheduled, both teams have to be part of that decision - let alone changing it to an "away" game. Depending on the situation there are nuances, but you have a valid point.
I will say that despite not always agreeing with them or even being critical of them at times, there are 2 things that I will appreciate them for:
1. Putting in a lot of time and effort into doing things.
2. Being available and responsive to me at least.
Keep following up with them. I'm sure they will at least respond/discuss this with you.
Ajoy, just didn't want to overstate the obvious. That was dripping of sarcasm!!!
I hope that your issue gets sorted out quickly and reasonably. We all do play for the love of the game and endure hardships, and that should not be taken for granted.
Aditya,
I completely appreciate what the management has done and does for the league but communication is solution to most of the things.
Ajoy, totally agree. Hopefully a solution can be found in time for your situation.
Teams are playing despite such cofusion and harships because of their love for the game and the time they enjoy together. I am sure many of you will second me on this.
===========================
so true for ICC my friend. It's our day to play cricket, forget the turmoil of trying to survive, catch up on the smacking and enjoy the family day...
ooooohhhh..not to mention this blog..sometimes!!!!!!!
Adi, Glad to now ya stil alive..
Sheky are you in town???
Obviously, am a little bored this afternoon. Not as busy today as it has been for the last few weeks.
So, on a separate note, it seems that the MCC has cleared the "switch" stroke that KP used the other day.
Not sure I agree with them on this one. Very wish-washy logic in my opinion. Certain obvious questions come into play:
1. How will wides be adjudicated?
2. How will this impact LBW decisions?
3. How will this impact fielding restrictions? (ie: 2 behind square on the leg, max 5 allowed on the leg, etc)
4. How is the keeper supposed to react if its a spinner or a similar situation?
Ajoy said
"then the home game against Jaguars which got rained out has been rescheduled as away game"
------------------------------
Are they now rescheduling games that got rained out?
Rup,
Am alive and bored!!! Looking forward to some cricket this weekend - weather permitting. What's ICC up to this weekend? Playing the night tournament? Putting up a WI team?
Will call you later to chat.
Sadiq Sir ..
you were rite .. Wikipedia explains that in a simple language --> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Runner_(cricket)
And as some people do not understand what is written and take everything literally and then there are officialls who just dont bother to respond despite being contacted.
Way to GO MWCC.
================================
welcome to the club brother. I am still waiting on suspension decision from the mgmt.
Good point Jaggi. Are rained out games being "rescheduled"???
------
Aditya said...
Ajoy,
Didn't know the background on the issue. But yes, I do believe that if a game is going to be rescheduled, both teams have to be part of that decision - let alone changing it to an "away" game. Depending on the situation there are nuances, but you have a valid point.
--------
I'll second that - wasnt aware of the background either. I do agree both teams should be a part of rescheduling decisions.
I also do understand that St Louis is a long way away (most Chicago teams will say exactly that too, BTW :-) However I also think that *everyone*, including St Louis teams, should actually be playing *4* away games a year.. I think thats the only way we can reduced Chicago teams' away games to 4 instead of maybe 6. And 6 (out of 14) is too many travel games IMHO.
Of course it should all be done at the start of the season. And the St Louis teams probably ought to be given some leeway.. maybe 2 back-to-back weekends in Chicago or something (or maybe just 1 in Chicago, but also like Arena can play once in Peoria and once in Urbana or some such). But its only by making the "away teams" travel more, IMHO, that the league can survive - else the exodus out of Div2 will turn into an even more rapid flood (its not a coincidence IMHO that Div2 was 29 teams about 3 years ago, and is down to 19 teams this year).
c8w
Adnan,
I thought it was all sorted out and you guys were all cleared to play. Is that not correct?
I hope that is the case, because for your sake (and ours :)), I was hoping this could be put behind us all.
That was exactly my point and as I mentioned earlier we have nothing against playing 4 away games, which we are playing anyway as per the schedule.
I thought it was all sorted out and you guys were all cleared to play. Is that not correct?
==============================
Not true sir. We are still in limbo. June 10th had come and gone and we are still wondering what the fuss? According to the last word from Mehul Shani, magmt is still pondering.
I understand your frustation Ajoy .. 2 times travelling 5 hours 1 way is a big pain .. but with so less teams in Div 2 this season, atleast 4-5 teams will have to do this ...
I wonder if any student in any team in any team can take up 'Scheduling MWCC matches' as a project and comes up with a nice solution ... Thats how the Duckworth-Lewis formula was born ...
else the exodus out of Div2 will turn into an even more rapid flood (its not a coincidence IMHO that Div2 was 29 teams about 3 years ago, and is down to 19 teams this year).
==================================
... So then why are we so afraid of Glendale Heights? They can still come in and grab our grounds. All they need is 10 teams on the paper and take it to Chicago Park district.
Aditya you're right about concerns re switch shots. Does anyone know if its happened in our league? Any controversies?
yeah ..I'm alive Rup..had errands to run all day..
the blog's interesting today..
Hot off the press...if you have not seen it already!!!
http://www.usaca.org/Tournaments/USA/2008/Senior/CER_Team_WesternConference.pdf
I think the lack of confirmation from MWCC has our players loosing out on the opportunity to play at the national level.
The ego battle continues.....
S_D,
Don't think it's prevalent in our league, but if I was the fielding captain, I would most certainly have to stop the game and ask the umpires on how they will implement the rules. Note, it clearly says in the rules that the wides will depend upon the stance the batsman takes at the start of the bowler's run-up!
What is KP's problem? Can't he just be happy with hitting 6s right handed? Is that too easy for him now? Wants a challenge? What an insult to the NZ bowlers! Not only is he going to smack you for a century, but he's going to hit a couple of left-handed shots. That too 6s!!
Say I did that to Rup, how would he like it? I'd expect a beamer next ball, though Rup may be too nice a guy for that.....
Abhjit Joshi and Faisal Baig who are listed in CER team, are they the same who play for United?
Yep Ajoy bhai ... sahi pehchana ... they are the ones ..
Against their names it says NCL, that is why just wanted to confirm.
I am happy they got achance to play if not thru MWCC but thru some other able league.
Wow,
That's BS on so many levels.
1. MWCC players missing. Not sure whose fault or if they are just not available, but it still is BS.
2. There are 2 MCC people. What league was that? There were 6 leagues that played - GLCC, ICML, NCL, ACC, Directors, and MWCC.
3. Sunny Khan and Hashim Raza? I was surprised they were in the ACC team, forget the Central East team! That is politics at its best.
4. What about Aashar from ACC? He was their best player!
mwcc management needs to explain this crap. just sit back and watch the blame game begin. hey hey! hey ho! TA needs to go! say it wid me...
all that chest thumpin in cer and no participation. sadiq explain away. you seem to be the mouthpeace for TA anyway!!!
C8W,
I'm not surprised about Asmar and Nasir bowling well. Nasir is a good bowler and when Asmar is bowling well he can be a handful. Good to know that they are both playing well. i'm sure that they will help RPCC have a good season this year.
I posted a bulletin in the last thread about MWCC not acknowledging their players participation.
Yes Faisal and Abhi play for United Cricket Club.
We take care of our own.
Adnan Baig
www.unitedcricket.org
1. MWCC players missing. Not sure whose fault or if they are just not available, but it still is BS.
2. There are 2 MCC people. What league was that? There were 6 leagues that played - GLCC, ICML, NCL, ACC, Directors, and MWCC.
3. Sunny Khan and Hashim Raza? I was surprised they were in the ACC team, forget the Central East team! That is politics at its best.
4. What about Aashar from ACC? He was their best player!
==============================
Adi, that's not true. I posted the information that MWCC did not acknowledge their participation. The deadline came and gone and there was no response from these sorry a@#$%^. Fu@#$%^ enemies of cricket and our talent. i hope this would open some eyes and confirm what I have been saying for years. No good, sorry A$$es.
Adnan Baig
www.unitedcricket.org
This is what I posted on the last thread.
===============================
Adnan said...
Brothers, I just recieved a very disturbing news. Apparently the deadline for confirming the list of players from MWCC to participate in the oturnament has come and gone and there has been no response from the management. I urge all the concerned parties to please inquire with the management to see whether we are sending the selected plyers to Houston.
Adnan Baig
www.unitedcricket.org
=======================
What about Aashar from ACC? He was their best player!
=========================
Ashhar is not available for the long weekend.
Yes Faisal and Abhi play for United Cricket Club.
We take care of our own.
--------------------------
It is heartening to know that they are getting a chance to play for CER team.
Must apprecite what you do for your team.
Adnan,
Firstly, hats off to you and United for organizing, participating, and being on top of such things. Hope Fais and Abhijit have a good outing in the regionals.
I do know that Amit and Afroze are going to be out of town and may not be available for this tournament. Not sure about other selected, that is why I said unavailable or anyone's fault. Not sure that we can easily blame someone for this as I don't know the complete details.
Some clear communication on this from Management team would help.
$86,000.00 in revenue from some 40+ teams in end what we get is 0 players from MWCC in CER. Do we have leaders to take cricket to next level or is it India/Pakistan style of money making politics.
NOTE TO ALL BLOGGERS:
Gentlemen (and ladies if there are any on this blog),
Please refrain from using foul language on this blog, at any cost. There are certain posts that don't use foul language, but are borderline acceptable. I prefer not to "police", but to let you use your best judgement. But foul language has no place here (including substituting letters with characters), so please find another way to phrase it. I'm sure you will find creative ways to do this.
Thank you, and please do keep expressing your opinions as you feel the need to.
Aditya
I do know that Amit and Afroze are going to be out of town and may not be available for this tournament. Not sure about other selected, that is why I said unavailable or anyone's fault. Not sure that we can easily blame someone for this as I don't know the complete details.
=================================
Just as ACC and others are replacing their players with others, MWCC has the right to do the same. I have info from the board that MWCC never even made an attemtpt to reply to their request with replacements.
I apologize for flying off the handle, but that was the last nail in the coffin. I am done messing with this league.
Adnan Baig
www.unitedcricket.org
Adnan,
Don't apologize. What is wrong with wanting better things for our players and our league? What is wrong with questioning bad decisions or poor leadership at times?
I didn't know the background and that is why was unsure of how this situation came about, but either way it should never have happened and it is a poor reflection on the league as a whole - though not everyone is at fault for this!!!!
This is very disappointing, but even more disappointing is that there are few people who care.
It is heartening to know that they are getting a chance to play for CER team.
Must apprecite what you do for your team.
==================================
Ajoy, I appreciate the kind words. If I can do this at a club level, then why we are not doing it at a conference level? Can someone please, please tell me why? Are we so bitter that we are willing to sacrifice our talent to soothe our ego? Is that leadership or as NJ said India/Pakistan money making politics? and for all those who made claims during the AGM that things will change for the better, where are you? Which rock have you crawled under? Come out, be a man and explain.
Adnan Baig
www.unitedcricket.org
Adnan,
This is the first time I am more involved in the league matters as I am responsible for the interests of my Team this year. The more I dwell into it, the more I feel for the way this league is run.
I have played cricket at various levels and in various leagues and have also been part of running a league, and given the situation I completely understand the way many of us feel.
Management is not done by just being reactive, a proactive management is more successful.
Ajoy, the sad part is that they are not even reactive. The problem is that opposition is in minority and therefore current managemnet feels they can do anything and get away with it. Apparently majority in this league have no interest in how the league is run and probably never seen or played good Cricket.
Adnan Baig
www.unitedcricket.org
Then one also has to understand that being a better cricketer or a popular person does not make you a good manager of affairs.
What I fail to understand is that, once there are systems and processes in place, why cant they be followed and I am sure if that is made sure of then there will more happy and content souls around.
What I fail to understand is that, once there are systems and processes in place, why cant they be followed.
=============================
...because there is no accountability. Rules and regulations hold no meaning. They can be overridden within a blink of an eye as we have witnessed in the past (overnight memo from the mgmt threatening to suspend players if they represent another league in CER, which is in direct conflict with MCC ground rule 31.1). There is no hope for this league as long as this mgmt is in power. We lost 19 teams in DIV II this year. we will loose more teams next year, guaranteed.
Too bad!!!!! The CER Champions have no representation in the Zonal Team. Very very sad, i must say. I am surpised to see Jaggi using F word... Presedential candidate (May be future president of MWCC) using this kind of langauge .... too bad. Hope less case. I am speechless on both issues.
Say I did that to Rup, how would he like it? I'd expect a beamer next ball, though Rup may be too nice a guy for that.....
===========================
I would never try to beamer you or anyone for that matter... Just a nice little conv with some polite jestures to let you know my feelings and thoughts..That is if i do bowl the delivery..There is not rule against me having 10 dead balls in a row now???
This was discussed breifly at the ump conf but on reverse sweep which is the same as changing stands IMHO..
Ans..all rules apply to the original stand taken.
Sad isn't it...
Already signs and implied conversations for Jaggi to come to the rescue of this league..
He did that in the last elections..I will not blame him if he chooses to not do it again..you all may need Bush to step in cause I am out for sure.
If you are the Captain did you vote for Jaggi..if not did you have a say in the vote..
Every team listening needs to be proactive.. make sure your vote is a team vote and not your captain's which I feel happened a lot in the last election..
"Change in the grass root level will see change in the upper level"
It is sad that our MCC boys are not going to next level.. finally we have decide to showcase and were we good..then a knee jerk and we are back to square 1.
who ever is responsible for this needs to be sent to Guantamo!!!!
This whole Fiasco of players selected and not going needs to be addressed..
We have a bunch of aspiring political screwballs running for nowhere running the show..
Given.....??
These events,, CER.. Regionals,,TAR, MAQR..whatever R?? are all organized and advised on with enough time by USACA..
We need to be selecting players who we know for sure will be available for sure to play all the way (unless Emergencies). We cannot pick players to play only the first leg..and then drop out because they had vacations planned. One has to sacrifice some thing to make it to the top.
Yes, I did use the F bomb, bcos I was totally frustrated. Adi talked to me and asked me to be more responsible in my language. I apologize and will make sure I express my thoughts carefully.
Thanks Adi !!
Like I have said in the past, the CER is very near and dear to me. I strongly feel that our talent should get maximum visibility and our players get to play for the US national team. The current management screwed me when I was the general secretary by not participating and giving ridiculous reasons. Now they are doing it all over again.
I definitely applaud Adnan's work and thank him for doing the right thing for cricket.
WIZ,...You will never get an apology from me for using a slang over frustration trying to convince people like you that seems to have a leg on both side of the fence..We got major problems in the way our league is being run and take care of.
You can ask BH what confu said about man who sits with his legs on both side of fence!!!.
If it was me i will be asking you which foot you want up your ??
all bloggers i have been following the proceedings here i am very surprised to see people are wasting so much energy here for no reason when u already know the end result everyone needs to relax little bit rewind i think you should all sit in one place and find common ground reason why people don't care about these things is 'politics is game for scoundrels' no matter which side you are on or which side your leg is on or which side of fence u belong bottom line is most don't care cuz they want to play cricket peacefully and happily get their monies worth already there is drama in everyone life with family, wife, kids, gas prices, environment etc who cares about cricket we aren't even playin professionally if u ask me instead of yelling wasting precious energy call mgt set up a meeting with mgmt see if problems can be resolved what you need to understand they are the elected mgmt u have to give up some space first see if u can work it out if you r thinking day will come when everythig will so perfect as u guys seem to claim i doubt it everyone have their dents and no one is perfect promising something close to pefect is blasphemous its time guys... seem like u guys have so much of energy why waste it yelling here when u things won't get done use instead use it in a positive way if you climb three steps i think they will climb down 1 atleast to meet sit in the middle and discuss... democracy is sort of dictatorship if u ask me people in power always are dictator for people who r not in power that is equation of balance of power.. dont' mistake iam not taking any sides all iam trying to say is no one is absolutely right or absolutely wrong in real world its all lies in ones perspective i hope its not too deep for this blog but bottom line is its time to find a way to fix issues if you guys truely love this league as u claim i dont' thiink it will be too much to ask to give up ur egos and meet the mgt guys in middle for a permanent resolution that would appease most.. confucius always says there is never a solution that satifies everyone no matter how u shove it..peace
Aditya,
Can you rename this thread to 'Controversies' and start another thread for 'predictions and results'.
There are 70+ posts on this thread and unfortunately none about cricket.
-----------
Preetam N said...
Aditya,
Can you rename this thread to 'Controversies' and start another thread for 'predictions and results'.
There are 70+ posts on this thread and unfortunately none about cricket.
--------
Come on Preetam :-) How is discussion about CER not about cricket? It is completely about cricket - and the most important sort of cricket there should be, for our level. Its like talking about the Ranjis if youre an Indian cricket fan - the basis of everything.
The regionals are *the* biggest thing in cricket in the USA - all you have to do is ask anyone who is involved in cricket anywhere else in the USA (outside of the Central-East region). Its what all players think about most, its what they talk about most. Two teams go on from the Western Regionals (which is what the CER team is playing July 4th) to the Nationals.. and all the other teams are *desperate* to make it. Last year Southwest (LA) and Central-West (Dallas, Houston etc) made it.. and the North-West region is *desperate* to change that and knock off the other regions this year. Its well known that, when they had a one-day camp in SanFran, players from other regions (Seattle etc) flew into SanFran for *one day*, for a bloody net practice! Thats how much importance its being given. For the past 3 weeks, apparently, the entire North-West team (which was selected a month ago, BTW) has been playing matches together as a unit (rather than in local leagues) so that they are united and ready and peaking as a team for the regionals.. and they live in cities that are sometimes a 10-hour drive from each other! Heck, you only have to look at Sean.. whose Central-West team was announced a week or two ago, and who is checking into *our* blog to see how we're doing with regard to the regionals :-)
And here we have us, the CER.. whose champion team will have *zero* players in the actual CER squad! Its beyond belief. It would be hilarious if it wasnt so bloody sad.
I dont know the details of what happened here, but either way there is plenty of blame to go around to everyone for this sort of fiasco. If MWCC was told their players had been picked and only needed to reply and accept(the truth of which we dont really know)... but if it happened, then its mostly our fault.
But even then there is blame to go around.. .if you were in the management of the Central-East region, and your team had gotten slaughtered by other regions year after year, so much so that cricket in the midwest has become a national joke in USA-cricket circles (last year, for eg, Southwest - LA etc - made 380 in 50 overs and bowled CER out for 90 odd to win by almost 300 runs in a 50-over match.. thats the kind of slaughter Iam talking about).. if that was the state of your CER team, wouldnt you want to make absolutely sure you had the best players in the region playing this year, just so you wouldnt be humiliated again? If I was CER prez, Id bloody call the best players every day, day after day, to try and convince them to be part of the team myself - just so my team wouldnt be humiliated again. Instead of just sending a message to the league with a deadline (if thats what indeed happened) and leavnig it at that.
Either way, its horribly sad to see the team thats actually been picked to represent the CER at the Regionals - especially since I spent an entire long-weekend at the regionals and saw all the teams there. Once more, IMHO, the CER team will get trashed by all and sundry at the Western Regionals - and the rest of the country's cricketers will continue to laugh at the midwest, and say nobody knows how to actually play cricket between the coasts (with the now honorable exception of Texas). The only people who know that isnt true is us - and that means jack-shit if we dont go out and actually prove it on the field. Which, once again, we will not be doing.
But either way, make no mistake, this is very much about cricket.
It is all about cricket, and the most important cricket at that - sort of like the Ranjis are to Indian cricket. The CER is in a horrible situation - we're kind of like the Tripura of the Ranjis, given our performances at USA level - a real laughing stock. To not have the best players playing for the CER squad at the regionals (when MWCC did actually play and dominate the CER tournament this year) and at least try to rise from Tripura status (to maybe Hyderabad status ;-) is beyond sad, IMHO.
c8w
If I was CER prez, Id bloody call the best players every day, day after day, to try and convince them to be part of the team myself - just so my team wouldnt be humiliated again. Instead of just sending a message to the league with a deadline (if thats what indeed happened) and leavnig it at that.
================================
Sadiq it's not that easy. Without the support of the league, Players can't do jack, because they sure as hell ain't payin' their own air fare to participate (with the exception of Faisal and Abhi)in this tournament. And as far as the CER board is concerned they are already at odds with MWCC pres. We gave them the satisfaction of not having our players part of the CER squad.
so who's better adnan, you or mwcc prez?
masood is the cer director aint he and he is no saint
mwcc prez has ego as big as his height but adnan you are no less whrn it comes to being egocentric
my opinion ,
the whole league thing is bogus, people who are managing the league are bunch of self satisfying people and the people who are trying to run this league have got their own issues. if we had 6 or so players selected in the nationals why we have none representing that's out of my horizon, as far as 2 from NCL aren't they supposed to be representing MWCC, coz they are playing in MWCC, aren't they.
Ajoy, is your bitterness with Sohail or is it with the league. didn't you play wiht him last year.
you know what's funny is, how some corrupt people with help of people in your league is using WP1 without any games being played on that ground, and yes that TA fault that ground is not your's and some fake league is using that ground for imaginative games.
i see this bickereing going on everyday and you guys ain't going no where, it's bunch of bologny. this is not platform for politics, i liked this blog when it was all cricket, games going to be played and games that were played, people giveing their opinions on who would win on what basis and what they saw during the game. since this year this blog has become nothing but crying wolves. i used to come on this blog because i used to play in this league and enjoy following it,
ADIOS to you all. i promise you want see me here again.
Fellas,
After reading the whole day's comments, I've come to realize that we are wasting our energy (like someone said earlier in here) by ripping each other apart, be that the management or the opposition (couldnt find a better word).
I honestly didnt feel like contributing today, as there was enough negativity already (not that I wanted to be negative).
Here is what I think we should do...and it'll be great if we can execute this:
1. Identify a few individuals in here, who are willing to stand up and represent the players.
Now, lets not call this a union or anything, but be positive and be volunteers to do the dirty job.
It will be more or like a few positive individuals who wishes the betterment of the league.
We can clearly see that Adnan, Jaggi, Adi, Rup, Ajoy, Preetam, Ram, C8W - they are all on the same page - to make this league a better place.
Now, its the methodology thats different.
2. What if all of these folks (its hypothetical) come together and diplomatically arrange a meeting with the management (hopefully the mgmt will agree to meet).
Now, when we request (please note the humility, coz we need this more than the mgmt) a meeting, we should do the same in such a way that the management does not get offended.
Rather than being offensive and getting nowhere, we can try to be positive and say that we need to work together.
3. If the mgmt agrees to meet, then we can make an agenda and make a list of issues we want to talk about.
4. If we meet and hopefully we meet, keep it as civil as possible, I think we can get a lot of things resolved.
Now I know a lot of folks in here would think that I'm naive or stupid to come up with this idea, but I think this is the only way we (the so called opposition or people with a stand) can communicate and help the league.
If we get more negative day by day, that only gets us more frustrated and will not get anything done in terms of our objectives.
So brothers, my request would be to work together to make this league a better place.
And I will be the first person to take the initiative to reach out and communicate with everybody to make this happen.
If not, oh well..
C8W,
Please look at the heading of the thread and look at what we are discussing. That is all I wanted to point out. In the last two threads has anybody talked about any matches, predictions or even results barring one or two.
Like Shekhs mentioned there is too much negativity. And as he rightly said nothing can be achieved without a meeting of the minds.
If this league needs to get better we all do need to work together.
What if all of these folks (its hypothetical) come together and diplomatically arrange a meeting with the management (hopefully the mgmt will agree to meet).
==========================
Shekhs bhai, are you planning to have all of us fly out to Philly to meet the president, or maybe to St. Louis? One can't even get a hold of them through email, how do you expect them to meet in person? My suggestion, suck it up, vent your frustrations on the blog and hope for the best come 2010. Preetam no one is stopping from you or anyone from talking about the matches, this is an open blog, so please don't force others to talk about what you want to talk about.
Adnan Baig
www.unitedcricket.org
mwcc prez has ego as big as his height but adnan you are no less whrn it comes to being egocentric
==============================
How so? What have I done? I thought we were buddies cric. Did I rub you the wrong way?
Adnan,
I understand that we cant get hold of the mgmt..
But, maybe we can try communicating in a different way.
To be brutally honest with you, your relationship with the mgmt aint exactly the best, so maybe we can take a step back and try something different.
I aint no saint either...I've got my own Q of issues..but if we all just vent on the blog..it might look like a COORs light commercial.. :-)
To suck it up and vent on the blog is the easiest thing to do....but if we make a consummate effort in communicating, you never know, we might get a break and they will probably listen to us..
Just my 2 cents..
Go ahead, let me know if I can help. While you do that, we will continue to vent :)
I agree with Shekh.
Unless the management is approached and presented the point of view of players and others, one will not know what they have in mind and how they percieve it.
Then based on that decide your future course of action.
Cricketkrazy Said....
Ajoy, is your bitterness with Sohail or is it with the league. didn't you play wiht him last year.
---------------
Well my dear friend, whoever you are, I have nothing against Sohail, We still meet almost every weekend on the cricket field. I still enjoy watch him bat and we have cordial relationships. We do not mix friendship with differences on the pitch.
Also if you carefully read what i had posted, it was all about rescheduling games without taking teams into confidence. So please refrain from making comments on individual relationships.
Then based on that decide your future course of action.
==============================
What other possible future course of action could there be? People are ignorant Ajoy, prime example is in front of you. People don't want to talk about this issue, they want predictions and match analysis. Let's see how many people come forward besides the usual suspects to tackle this issue? In my opinion not a single person.
Sure Adnan, I definitely need help from you..and not only you, from all of you..
I'm going to make some efforts to have a base established, so that we can communicate to the management thru that channel..
And yeah, I like to vent too..maybe more than anybody else..hey I work from home.. :-)
On a different note, how is the flood situation around you guys.
Mississippi and Missouri river is constantly rising in and around Saint Louis.
I agree with Shekar
***********************
attempt needs to done or what ever it takes to build or rebuild the relationship thats lost in litigation or agitation how ever may bloggers put it..After all they are elected members of this league..Anyone who has betterment of this league in mind should be able step up and patch up ..start a new chapter begin a new day..There has to be start some where...This not first time history such a dead lock is happening..A good leader is not just talking about winning the election when lost.. but having lost the election has dignity to sit on the sidelines and still lead with positive steps to improve this league....A good leader will always find way to do that no matter what the odds are..no excuses! Splitting this league is not option at all
Take three things that are achievable for this season (as season is midway) work on it to get resolution with mgmt and take credit for it..Empty talk with no actions will not fetch any sympathy for anyone
sheks ur in the right direction make it happen ..I would suggest following three.. bloggers can add anymore:
1. MWCC Mini Worldcup (members Appreciation weekend) - Organize it well with plenty of volunteers for players including families. Appreciate the clubs for being members and playing so much money for dues and giving up their time in the summer.
2. Playoffs - Make it special experience for every one. start games on time, umpiring, food, etc make one professional experience for teams that make it to the playoffs
3. Sponsors - Need sponsorship for this league to reduce the burden of membership for the clubs.
Buchia goes to work in a canoe these days, with the des plaines river all flooded..
just kiddin.. :-)
Fortunately, Chicago area has very few issues with the flood.
Its very unfortunate that lot of ppl lost their homes and families.
Hopefully we will get a grip on the rising water levels.
How far are you from the rivers?
My house is like 4 miles from the Missouri river and as per this morning's information the Levy is 70% under water. They are expecting water to reach adjoining fields by sunday.
Hopefully it will recede before it reaches my house. They may be I will also have to canoe to work :)
Shekhs Aravind of Challengers has gladly consented to be the VP of Abid Laheri Tournament and will be responsible for the conduct of the tournament. His contact information will be provided shortly. In the meantime, should you have any questions or need clarifications, please contact management@midwestcricket.org.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
alright sheksy!!!
one more things "There is room for one more team in the tournament to make it a 12-team tournament. Acceptance will be on a first-cum-first-served basis".
first cum??? yikes!
Oh my gawd.!
Hopefully, water will recede..we will pray for that..
One way or other,
Yeah,we will try our best to accomodate those 3 :
1. MWCC Mini Worldcup -
Thats in the works and from what I've heard is definitely going to happen this year. Please give credit to the mgmt for that.
We'll definitely try our best to accomodate whatever possible.
2. Playoffs - Make it special experience for every one. start games on time, umpiring, food, etc make one professional experience for teams that make it to the playoffs
Very good idea - will definitely keep that in mind.
3. Sponsors - This is probably the single most challenging thing. This is where we need help from everybody.
And to make any of the above a success, we need to work together, we need help from all of you.
Thanks guys.
Yeah guys, I thought I'll wait till mgmt announces it on the website.
I'll be running the Night tourney....so please let me know if you have any concerns or questions or recommendations:
shekhs.aravind@gmail.com
Centurion, thats a slip of the tongue/finger(get it) - "CUM"..hey get your mind out of the gutter..
:-)
It was a good one!
can some one tell webmaster to stop browsing for porn its effecting his lingual skills what a gaffy 'first_cum_first_served' right on the main page of mcc don't want to be part of that 12th team which get served what?
all u r forgetting biggest issue. tariq ahmad. why? here goes:
1 every1 know if u oppose him will get screwed.
2 so many election promises. equal number broken promises.
3 just bcoz he elected doesnt mean he always right. sometimes needs 2 listen not just do.
4 management style is poor. if everything has 2 go thru him then nothing will happen. there is no balance.
5 he believes has all power and we give 2 him. instead power should b with captains/managers 2 vote and make rules not just mgmt put up memos.
ppl need 2 wake up and smell the crap. div 2 is reducing. enthusiasm is going. more teams will leave. if this not changed soon mwcc will bcome old self. 15 teams in total!!!
shekhs u try all u want. i support u and hope i am wrong. but all know that in the end nothing will change. still worth try so go for it and i support all i can.
confushus say: if it smell like bs and look like bs and feel like bs then it is bs!
confushus also say: cannot teach old dog new tricks. not even dog with napoleon complex!
mayb mgmt just finished with anon b4 putting gaffy on home page up. he must be "first"!!
am sure this shud bring him back 2 provide some entatinment.
I certainly welcome Shekhs suggestions. I know Adi has also been advocating a similar approach.
I am very happy to help in any which way to talk with management and come up with solutions for the issues at hand.
More power to you and Adi !!
Ajoy, hope things get better with the flood situation.
confushus also say: cannot teach old dog new tricks. not even dog with napoleon complex!
=================================
BH you must have been in this league as long as I have been. You have wisdom that is unmatched on this blog.
Shekhs Sir ...
Rather than few of us taking the issue of MWCC not playing in Regionals ... it should be the players who missed the bus ... because of negligency of somebody !!
Also rather than having the best players represent the MWCC, it should be more focussed on players who dream of representing US cricket team in future .. In this case, they will always push the mgmt in case of any such situations ...
In short it is time to create a new league or championship league and dump MWCC if things do not change, mind MWCC is a private association run by Tariq, and he is not going to hand to anyone cutting his profits. So cut all this crap and start fress with a structure that leads cricket as front runner.
or bring all teams to NCL and make it big and bigger than MWCC
Preetam, we have found that having two active threads in a week has not worked. We can have multiple conversations in the same thread. Just pick and chose which you would like to talk about.
Preetam Sir ..
Here is a topic on Cricket .. Generally when you are a good batsman, you can easily play good, long innings .. But how do you condition your mind when are not such a good batsman and want to play long innings ... Last match, before playing every ball, I was constantly reminding myself that I do not want to get out .. and it worked till almost 29-30 overs .. before i finally was run-out ...
What do others in MWCC do ? I am interested in knowing ..
Appu,
I agree its the players who missed the bus who need to express their grievances.
But, do we know for sure if they were contacted, and they were not available or something like that.
I think for future purposes and tourney's we name a person who is willing to talk to the management, represnting all of us.
I suggest Aditya's name, since he was not part of any political team/ agenda.
Maybe he can represnt us and talk to the mgmt whenver we have to address an issue.
And maybe we need to talk before we blow a lot of air under the issue..
My 2 cents..
-------
Shekhs said...
One way or other,
Yeah,we will try our best to accomodate those 3 :
1. MWCC Mini Worldcup -
Thats in the works and from what I've heard is definitely going to happen this year. Please give credit to the mgmt for that.
We'll definitely try our best to accomodate whatever possible.
-----
Excellent ideas, Sheks - there seems to be so much bitterness on both sides that its almost like perpetual warfare. Something has got to change for the betterment of the league - some sort of mandwali, if you will :-)
As for the above.. another very good idea. Do we know when it can happen? July 4th would be a great time, but maybe there isnt enough time to fit that in now. How about Labor Day weekend? Other than that there will be no time available at all until mid-October (which will be too late).
Let management pick a date, and then everyone who is willing to help out can get going on it, if possible.
c8w
yeah C8W,
I highly doubt its gonna be the july 4th weekend....
I dont have any clue as to when this will happen, but will definitely let you know as soon as I hear something.
I know that there is something in the works, especially since we are not sending a team to LA this year.
Speaking of LA, I haven't heard and by talking to ppl, have not heard anybody talk about LA Open this year.
Is that called off?
BTW, in an attempt to talk only cricket :-)...
Has everyone played at Hanover this year so far? What do people think of it? I really dislike the new boundaries - the ground has become way too small, postage-stamp sized almost, IMHO. I walked off the square boundary and it was barely 60 yards! (It took me 61 steps, most steps not a full yard Id guess). Thats tiny! And there's no reason for it, since this ground was always at least 8-10 yards bigger all the way around. The boundary on the "parkinglot side" use to be almost halfway into the softball infield, and then proportionately big all the way thru.. instead this time it doesnt even reach the softball infield, and is proportionately smaller the entire way around. The astro at Hanover anyway gives nothing for bowlers - if the ground is going to be made so ridiculously small as well, there will be nothing left for bowling at all :-) Is there any way we can go back to the old boundaries? It would just require marking out the edge again with chalk/paint or whatever, not so hard to do, no? Especially for night cricket, the scores will end up being ridiculous with the current boundaries IMHO.
Similarly, BTW, in the infield at Hanover there were two separate 30-yard-circles drawn last weekend (one was at about 22 yards, the other at about 28 yards - presumably the latter was supposed to be the 30-yard circle).. apparently they said there was some sort of charity walk that led to it or something. Something to watch out for for whoever plays there this weekend and beyond - maybe talk about it before the match to the umpire and other teams, make clear to everyone which circle is the correct one to be used all day etc.
c8w
Speaking of LA, I haven't heard and by talking to ppl, have not heard anybody talk about LA Open this year.
Is that called off?
===========================
L.A. Open is cancelled this year.
that sucks..it was a lotta fun last year..
Congrats Shekhs..have fun with the night tourney....
Amazing isn't it.. a grape vine promise for a Mini world cup and all is well again..
When you all are able to get MGT for a round table disussion let me know and i will join.
There has been several attempts by Aditya and Jaggi to get memebers to support an emergency discussion..not much help came. This is the main reason why MGt will not sit down with us because the feel a majority of the teams don't give a hoot..
You guys are killing me..telling me to express my frustration and anger in a positive way.. don't be negative.. How do you do that??
It might a good opportunity for Chicago open? It is such a money spinning machine league profits from it and all expenses for the CER team and for other tournaments can be covered out there..? May dues for clubs can be reduced by having players volunteer to run it..Any takers
Rup,
First of all, you and me are on the same side/ team...remember..? :-)
Hey, I took up the opportunity of the night tourney to open up an avenue for dialogs.
I know Jaggi and Adi tried to reach out, but then we need to keep trying.
Here's why we need to stay positive:
1. Being negative and getting frustrated is only gonna make us lose our hair(believe me-I know a thing or 2 when it comes to that).
2. The more negative and offensive we become, the more non-responsive will be the mgmt.
3. Is it gonna get us anywhere with the mgmt getting pissed off and us getting all worked up..?
Thats the only reason my brother that I suggested we be postive.
We definitely need to keep working as team to be successful in the future.
About the mini world cup grape vine...yeah thats still a rumor..
Lets take that as our first step to try to execute using dialogs...
It might a good opportunity for Chicago open?
===========================
We don't have the infrastructure to invite international players.
We don't have the infrastructure to invite international players.
-----------------------------------
Don't have to think too big but invite just local players from different conferences like Florida, Texas, Minnesota, Calif let the best of the best from local teams here in US compete first then we can invite the international stars later. Make use of what we have and provide better facilities for the team that come... Think small and diversify the idea into something big later..Besides, I don't think United should have any problems to get few international stars to represent their team would they..? :-)
Confusius say a person who thinks small can get it done big!
One thing I learned from this season's bloggin is that - Confushus definitely made a big impact in our lil world........I dont think even Confushus himself has taken his name so many times..
:-)
Don't have to think too big but invite just local players from different conferences like Florida, Texas, Minnesota, Calif let the best of the best from local teams here in US compete first then we can invite the international stars later. Make use of what we have and provide better facilities for the team that come... Think small and diversify the idea into something big later..Besides, I don't think United should have any problems to get few international stars to represent their team would they..? :-)
=================================
We can certainly bring in international stars, but we don't want to be embarassed, by having them take a Pee in the bushes :)
ideasnmore, why don't you poitch that to the mgmt? it's a great idea.
Alpesh ji,
I think the big guns need to answer your question. I get out whenever a good ball comes my way. And i think if anybody knew that answer they would be playing a higher level of cricket. Good question but no answer. Rup, Shekhs anybody...care to answer Alpesh's question.
Preetam Sir ..
kya baat kar rahe ho aap .. Last match you almost played 20 overs .. Its not easy to play 118 balls .. You surely are talented Sir !! :)
adnan said...
We can certainly bring in international stars, but we don't want to be embarassed, by having them take a Pee in the bushes :)
Adnan, I bet thats exactly what they used to do before they became 'stars'.;)
Preetam,
I dont think I'm the right person to answer this either.. :-)
But from the lil I know..the answer is PATIENCE...
Its all about grinding and getting that one good knock, to get your confidence...and then use it wisely by negotiating the good balls..
Even if you are talented, definitely need some temparament do play long innings..
My $0.02
guys all great ideas. but have u considered the obvious? maybe mgmt not want interact with outside. notice glcc, acc, ucc, ncl, minesota, etc interact with each other. only league not interact is mwcc. we think we victimised with politiks. mayb we not want 2 participate. mayb mgmt not mess up with regionals team. mayb they not want sent ppl! look closely.
confushus say: the greatest thing the devil did was make us believe he did not exist!
adnan thank u thank u.
am available mon-wed after 6pm at community park. $10 for each pearl of wisdom that will change your life. for mwcc players i make it $9....
since i am big hitter i will tell u secret of batting - luck. so hit big until luck runs out and hope it lasts.
Adnan, I bet thats exactly what they used to do before they became 'stars'.;)
============================
I am picking up Mohd Saif tomorrow, I will ask him and if he says, he had never done it then you loose a bet.
BH, koi jadoo mantar kar key mgmt ko nikal dey :)
before playing every ball, I was constantly reminding myself that I do not want to get out .. and it worked till almost 29-30 overs .. before i finally was run-out ...
===========================
long innings...curious how much you scored???.
I was told and trained that if you play every ball on it merit you have a great chance of playing a long innings...
what does this mean..Aknowledge good bowling and put a whooping to bad bowling.. play to your strengths .. correct your weakness in practice not in the match ..
Shekhs..don't loose the few left my friend..
Am cool with you helping out with the night tour.. I will confirm tomorrow if we can field a WI team or not..if there is still a spot by the way???
It'll be awesome to have you folks to help out..thanks man..
yeah, there's still a spot open...so bring in the caribbeans...
Shekhs Sir ... I can help you for sure ... Atleast is baar to scheduling karne do .. so that I understand why is it a big pain :)
Rup .. scored 44(70) ... basically .. i m a very defensive bat .. inspired from Dravid ... :)
Good knock Appu..
I could definitely use your help..thanks..
hey, please dont sir me SIR.. :-)
Alpesh..not bad..strike rate 62.85 which could have only gotten better as the innings close.
Will keep you posted shekhs on the WI team...
"Adnan said...
Has there been a case where a runner was not allowed because the batsman was cramped? If not then every player who has a cramp should get a runner. Why should that be left to Umpire's discretion?
There has also been a fallacy that the Captain of the fielding side must approve whether a runner is required and Umpires have actually asked for Captain's permission before they would allow one."
If you're asking for international level then there have been several such instances most famously Pak vs NZ 1st test 2002. Inzamam was denied a runner by Fleming, but he went on to score 329 (limping for the last 108 runs).
Apologies for blogging in like this, we heard Faisal Iqbal had played for some team in this league and wanted to get some details about the game.
If you guys are cramping up there, probably just as well y'all aren't come play in Houston in July!
Apologies for blogging in like this, we heard Faisal Iqbal had played for some team in this league and wanted to get some details about the game.
=============================
Faisal Iqbal played for United Cricket Club. Game: United against pak Gym http://www.midwestcricket.org/asp/Score88.asp?id=2978
Adnan Baig
www.unitedcricket.org
United Vs Pak Gym game summary:
http://www.unitedcricket.org/summary.asp?ID=33
Adnan Baig
www.unitedcricket.org
http://www.dreamcricket.com/dreamcricket/news.hspl?nid=9531&ntid=4
BH goes mainstream!!!
don't forget the little people BH.
Big fish in little pond!!!
Tango, congratulations for making it to Dreamcricket !!!
---
If I was CER prez, Id bloody call the best players every day, day after day, to try and convince them to be part of the team myself - just so my team wouldnt be humiliated again.
---
And how would you get their phone numbers? Go to MCC webpage, find which of the 40 teams they play for, call their captains, get the players' contact info, and then call them?
I don't know of any regional prez who would do all that. Since you gave the example of Northwest, let me tell you that even though the leagues co-operate with each other, I doubt the president will start calling players from other leagues on a daily basis.
Since you also gave the example of Ranjis, I doubt a West Zone selector from Saurashtra will call Bombay players on a daily basis to ask them to kindly play in Duleep/Deodhar Trophy. It's up to every league to look after their own.
You are basically trying to deflect criticism from your friends.
BTW, after the whole suspension/show-cause/remorse/god-promise/mother-promise drama, even if CER prez called, which MCC player in his right mind would give a commitment without asking management? The last 6 guys to give a commitment to play for non-MCC team in a USACA event, without asking mgmt, were punished. Apart from a few United CC guys, who will do it all over again?
Even United CC has given a strict warning to Faisal Iqbal that if selected to play for Pakistan again, he should get written consent of MCC mgmt first. After all, a Test match is not a USACA event, so he will be banned under the great "league exclusivity" rule.
-Samarth.
Yep ... I agree with you Samarth ..
Faisal Iqbal cannot play for Pakistan now .. since he played for MWCC .. :-) unless he gets approval by MWCC mgmt ...
Samarth,
If cricket doesn't pan out for you (despite your talents), you should consider stand-up. I can just see you going through your monologue in a Jerry Springer like voice. Hilarious!!!! Maybe you should provide weekly commentary for the actual article, instead of just a post. :)
Big Hitter,
Congratulations on going national! If not your cricket play (which I know nothing about), at least your humour has been publicized! Maybe you and Samarth should do a two-people show!!
Good stuff guys. Always good to laugh at ourselves (or others). Keep the spot-light on issues, controversies, but lets not forget the cricket also. Any predictions for this week?
I will make sure to have Mohammad Saif, Kiran Kumar and Amit Joshi drop a note to MWCC magmt before they resume their duties at first class level in India.
Note: Congrats to Samarth for making the squad again. Samarth and Ruchir represnted CER in '06. This year Samarth will be part of South west (correct me if I am wrong)squad.
Adnan Baig
www.unitedcricket.org
thank u thank u. am afraid go out now bcoz papparazzi. tuff 2 b celeb. now i not know how 2 behave. would like thank all little ppl who i stepped on 2 get here.
confushus say: man has 2 stand on someone's shoulders to get on top!
ps where exactly is "here"?
predications 4 week.
div 2
jag ovr titans
fire ovr chicago
evanston ovr lucky
icc ovr qc
jolly rover ovr springfield
aaa ovr eagles
arena ovr cci
iit ovr hammond
giants ovr collins
div 1
cats ovr advancers
challs ovr purdue
rp ovr bears
phoenix ovr chargers
milw ovr royals
pg ovr mg
Does anybody know about the status of IIT vs LuckyXI game last week? I am just curious as i don't see any entry for that. Also, i think it is time for Rup to walk the talk and update his teams scorecard last week.
Aditya,
I hope you mean Jerry Seinfeld and not Jerry Springer. :-) The last person I aspire to be is Jerry Springer.
Adnan,
I didn't make regionals this year. I'm playing in Northwest Cricket League. Where do you think Sadiq gets all his info abt Northwest region from? :-) 5 players from my club will be representing Northwest region in Houston, including the captain. I'll ask them to watch out for Faiz and Abhi. ;-)
-Samarth.
BH, you have not responded to my request. See my remark above in Urdu.
Adnan Baig
www.unitedcricket.org
BigHitta...become a celeb huh...on our expense.. :-) lol..
hey..keep it real man!!
Samarth, that was funny..please come in and crack some once in a while..keep us laughing..
Samarth,
Oops. My bad. Of course I mean Sienfeld. Springer isn't exactly complementary!!
Have a good weekend,
Shekhs,
For the night tourney, would love to see the following:
1. An Opening Ceremony
2. Schedule in advance
3. Audience for games (initiatives from you to get people there)
4. Some publicity on the website / blog.
5. Playoffs done in style
6. Grand event out of the finals
These are my suggestions. Let me know if I can help you in anyway.
Good luck,
Aditya
Cheer Leaders ?? :-)
--------
Good stuff guys. Always good to laugh at ourselves (or others). Keep the spot-light on issues,
-------
I was wondering if anyone would notice that there were actually *two* people quoted in the article... but nobody has noticed the second person quoted in it. Probably because he was described as "a cricketer" ;-)
c8w
---------
For the night tourney, would love to see the following:
1. An Opening Ceremony
2. Schedule in advance
6. Grand event out of the finals
-------
Excellent suggestions - and some have happened before already, there was an Opening Ceremony a couple years ago for example.
My further suggestion would be this - instead of having 3 weekday games every week, have 2 weekday games.. and choose one "Game of the Week" to be held under lights on either Saturday night or Sunday night. This will help in the "drawing crowds" part IMHO - if its a really interesting game it will enable some people to show up and watch, much more than on weekdays (make sure this "Game of the Week" is by consensus most likely to be the most interesting game of the week tho. Most Saturday and Sunday nights there is no game at Hanover Park anyway (only sometimes, to alleviate a regular-season schedule-sqeeze, a regular season game is occasionally scheduled for a Saturday night - but that can be worked out with the scheduling committee in advance).
This will also, BTW, save the league money - which is always a good thing :-) The way I udnerstand it, it costs 100 bucks to hire Hanover Park on any day, and 70 bucks an hour for lights or some such. Thus on weekdays we are paying 100+light-cost for all night games. With one weekend game, we'll still be paying light costs, but the 100 bucks will be saved (since its already been paid for a game played earlier in the day on that ground).
Once we're doing this, we ought to also do this for the Grand Finale - hold it on a Saturday night, under lights, and make it a true happening (league providing food, music etc if possible). The capper for the 20/20 season (we could also get some media involved in reporting on it - local ethnic media, to be sure, but still).
c8w
Please add "Strippers" to that list. It will be good for the player morale and to attract audience.
Big Hitter ... ur first prediction proved incorrect .. We(Titans) managed to beat Jaguars by 7 runs ... in fact it would better to say that Jaguars missed the win by 7 runs ...
Jaguars team has very good hitting batsman .. they bat all the way till number 11 ... but their tempatation to play big shots when they required just 40 runs in 20 overs with 5 wickets in hand costed them the batch ... Ofcourse I won't take any credit away from my team .. as we took most of the catches that come our way and maintained our cool and attacked Jaguars as soon as we saw an opening ...
Finally a great feeling after winning the first match ...
Sadiq Sir .. can also write something about the match... as he was the umpire ...
Houston Cricket League (HCL) hosts upcoming national cricket tournament
HOUSTON – Tom Bass Regional Park will come alive on July 4th-6th when the best cricketers from 4 regions compete in the USACA (United States of America Cricket Association) 2008 Senior National Tournament, Western Conference Championship.
Players from the host Central West Region which includes players from cricket leagues in Houston, Dallas, Austin and Colorado will parade their skills in a tournament against teams from Central East, North West and South West. The tournament will be held from 9.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. during the three-day event. There is free admission for the tournament and the public is invited to attend.
Several states will be represented throughout the tournament. The Western Conference of USACA includes Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Kansas, Ohio, Wisconsin, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Colorado, South Dakota, Texas, Wyoming, New Mexico, Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, Alaska, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, California, Arizona, Hawaii, Nevada and Utah.
“This will be a great event for Houston, we are thrilled to be hosting a national tournament of the world’s second most popular sport” said Houston Cricket League President Fayyaz Sarwar, “The Houston Cricket League is ready to show the nation an action packed and well organized event. It will be especially exciting to watch the four players from our Central West Region team that recently represented the US national cricket team in Jersey.” (Sushil Nadkarni and Niraj Shah from Houston and Orlando Baker and Rahul Kukreti from Dallas)
Cricket has been played in Houston for almost 50 years. Tom Bass Regional Park has been the central location for all cricketers in this city for almost 20 years. There are 5 cricket fields located with-in the park. Every Sunday, cricket loving players and fans in the city and the state come together to participate in a game they dearly love.
The sport of cricket is growing in Houston by leaps and bounds and the upcoming tournament is a great way to showcase this great sport to the public. For more information on the event, the sport of cricket and cricket in Houston, visit www.houstoncricket.org.
Tom Bass Regional Park is located at 3452 Fellows Road, Houston, Texas 77047
Late night post>>>>>>!!!!!!
Lack of preparation blamed for USA failure
Cricinfo staff
==============================
Massiah Said
"I think if I had three months of competition under my belt, there was no way I could see ourselves failing," he said "We would beat those teams easily."
_________________________________
Rmemeber I said, "whilst the other teams were busy preparing our buys wwe having some good old USA fun".
Now he crying lack of preparation
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Questions have also been asked about the national selectors who, unlike almost every other country, remain unknown. Ostensibly this is to prevent undue pressure being put on them, but it has led to accusations of unfairness and secrecy.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Does this sound like something we say frequently in MCC... As stated it's a freaking Joke when it come to selecting the USA team and coaches
Sean looks like you are way pass excited about the upcoming event..
That good..i like that, knowing there are still some good cricket lovers out there.
Good luck to the success of the event.
------------------------
G-friend any my fellow MCC players.
Sorry i did not get our score for last game in.
Got busy, lost track of time and when i tried last night 11pm .. would not let me.
I have submitted a request for help so i can enter the scores.
It is the official press release that just went out - thought I would post for your viewing pleasure
GOOD SIGN OF MWCC CHANGING AND IMPROVING ON WHAT WE HAVE BEEN SCARPPING ABOUT ON BLOGS. MWCC IS SHOWING INTEREST IN EVENTS OTHER THAN OUR OWN AND HAVE STARTED TAKING INTEREST IN CRICKET IN OTHER COMPETITION.. DIVERSITY CUP ON MWCC WEBSITE IS ONE PROOF.
THIS IS TO OUR MANAGEMENT: "CRICKET IS WHAT ALL MATTERS"
WE ALL MEMBERS ARE HERE TO HELP MWCC FOR CRICKET CAUSE
Quick update:
I believe Muslim Gym beat Pak Gym today. Muslim Gym batted first, and Pak Gym fell short chasing. Not 100% sure, but I think Pak Gym got all out. There was some lusty hitting in that game though!!!!!!!!
Phoenix beat Chargers. We put the Chargers in to bat and they racked up 185 in 45 overs due to a really good knock from Kamran. We chased it down with 6 wickets in hand and a little more than 5 overs to go. Adeel, our umpire, did a pretty good job today. Thanks.
Eagles lost to AAA
Batting first AAA put on an imposing 250 (all out) in 40 overs. In response Eagles were all out for 130 odd.
AAA scored around 12 runs in the first 6/7 overs and then piled up.
I'll wait for Atif to do a writeup on the game. Atif??
------
Aditya said...
Quick update:
I believe Muslim Gym beat Pak Gym today. Muslim Gym batted first, and Pak Gym fell short chasing. Not 100% sure, but I think Pak Gym got all out. There was some lusty hitting in that game though!!!!!!!!
------
Sheesh. Can someone please post a better report on this game than Adi's? :-) This is always historically one of the best games of the MCC season - Ive usually tried to be umpiring somewhere in WP on the day these 2 play each other, but couldnt make it this time due to having to ump in Milwaukee.
Adi's update was appreciated.. but looking at the weekly summary the game sounded quite amazing. Muslim 183 allout,Pak chasing and 182 allout? Given the historical rivalry and all that happened in this game last year, this sounds like the game of the season (again) this year - maybe even approaching the Muslim/Pak game of 2-3 years ago which I still remember as one of the best games Ive ever seen.
Surely some of the Muslim and Pak guys are still on the blog.. can we have a detailed report on this game, please? :-)
(Meanwhile, congrats to Adi on the continued rolling along of the Phoenix juggernaut - when were you last actually dismissed, anyway? Oh, and we had a frustrating day in Milwaukee (Royals visiting).. Royals bowled great at the start, Milwaukee 24/2 after 10 overs, then Milwaukee recovered to 84/3 in about 24 overs.. and then totally collapsed to 100 allout! Royals were 2/0 in 1.3 overs in reply, when it rained. It stopped, we worked and fixed the pitch and runups.. and then it rained again. Finally game was called off while it was still raining at 5pm with split points - pity, cos it was set up to be a really fun chase).
c8w
-------
Alpesh said...
Sadiq Sir .. can also write something about the match... as he was the umpire ...
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First, to let everyone know - I gave Alpesh out lbw :-) All bloggers, if you see me showing up to umpire your game, be afraid. Be very afraid.
Pretty crazy and excellent game, actually. Titans were 32/3 in 10 overs, before Tafazzul made a terrific 46 off 52 balls to carry Titans to 125/8 and 144/9. The last couple pairs then battled hard and well, and took Titans to 172 allout (the importance of those 47 runs would only be realized in retrospect).
The Jaguars are a deep and explosive batting lineup - last year they scored more runs than any other team in either division. They were very confident chasing 173 - they slid to 18/2, but continued playing positively, Ajay and Ashish motoring along to 73/2 in 11 overs. The frenetic pace continued, but at the cost of the odd wicket - break was taken at the fall of the 5th wicket, it was 130/5 in 19 overs. (Required: 43 in 21 overs with 5 wickets in hand). The ask was further reduced in a hurry - second over after break, Vishal lashed two more monster sixes, and Jaguars had rocketed to 147/5 in 21 overs. Required: 26 in 19 overs with 5 wickets in hand.
Then Vishal fell going for another big one, and suddenly things went horribly and completely wrong for the Jaguars in a hurry. Tafazzul was back in the attack and bowling a terrific spell, new batsmen were in, and the Titans started catching everything that went in the air. Taffazul took a wicket each in his last 3 overs, and Mukunt and Mughiz chipped in with one each, and suddenly the Jaguars tail (all of whom are actually good bats) had crumbled in the space of 5 overs. It went from 147/5 in 21 overs to 165 allout in 26 overs - a complete and stunning reversal of fortune, reemphasizing the glorious uncertainties of our game. I dont think even the Titans would have given themselves a chance at 147/5, but suddenly a couple of difficult chances stuck - and their game perceptibly went up a notch, the bowling got better, the fielding tighter, the catching immaculate. Its amazing what momentum can do - when the spirt of a side kicks up, they can pull off things they themselves may not have thought possible only 15 minutes earlier.
Terrific game to watch (even if very hard on the Jaguars, who look a very good side - and did in this game too, but for the aberration of the last 15 or so minutes).
Then I trooped over next door and watched the end of the Wildcats and Advancers - another crazy game. In the morning Pawan had played another blinder of a knock - when I visited during break, the Advancers were exactly 100/1 in 19 overs with Pawan and Shakir in charge. I went back to umpiring next door, and suddenly it turned upside down for the Advancers too.. they went from 100/1 to 137 allout! And yet they managed to defend it - typically terrific performances by their spin trio (Shakir, Altaf and Pawan all got 2 or 3 wickets each IIRC), and the Wildcats fell 12 runs short in their chase. And they may have suffered an even bigger loss - Naren appeared to have twisted his knee quite badly early in the day, and was barely able to move (an MRI on the ACL was scheduled for Monday).. in an incredible act of bravery he was helped onto the field to bat as last man with 20+ needed (despite captain Romeen repeatedly telling him not to risk batting), and actually helped add 10 or so before Sachin fell at the other end. Iam sure all bloggers (even the non-Wildcats :-) will join me in wishing Naren the best - hope it isnt as serious as feared.
c8w
Arena V/s CCI.
CCI won the toss and batted first set a target of 221 for Arena to chase.
Arena struggled in the first 10 overs, but Samir had other ideas. Samir brought Arena home with a scintillating 135 Not Out of 81 balls. Arena won by 5 wickets. This was an inning to watch with ball being hit crisply and cleanly all over the park. Samir hit 12 sixes and 4 fours in his inning.
3/4 rained out games for us...ouch!! :) 1 lost game to Purdue or else we could have been unbeaten :)
Special thanks to Asif (Milwaukee CC) for sharing few moments with my son, Rahul and giving bowling/batting tips...it was well worth the trip eventhough it was rained out. Thank you.
Samir_RoyalsCC
Wow.. seems it was a sunday of Recoveries and mess ups.. and add some Rain to cool it all off..
ICC vs QC.
ICC won the toss and elected to bat. We lost wicket at frequent interval and at the break we were 74 for 4..
Came out in da same mood.. and found ICC sitting at 113 for 8 with 9 overs to go. Dan and Youdeo then decided it time to step up.. Mixed with 6's, 4's and the odd sprint the put up 54 for the 9th wicket and saw us post 167.
QC never realy had the advantage at any point batting..Slow start with wickets falling frequently saw them at 51 for 5 at break.
Same mood after break as only dimpy was able to put any runs up. He was the last man out finally as QC were all out for 110.
I hope and wish all the players who came up with injuries in this match a fast and healthy recovery.
George...ICC.. dislocated shoulder diving to stop a ball.
QC player ...broken collar bone..diving for a catch
QC player ..injured wrist trying to stop a hard drive back to the bowler.
I will post me report on QC's new ground later???
Challengers Vs. Purdue
Challengers won by 8 wickets!
It didnt look very pretty at the beginning as it was raining as we got into the ground......seemed like we had the rain gods with us, wherever we went.
Rain finally stopped and we decided to play a 38 over game.
Purdue won the toss and elected to bat (surprise..given our history of chasing)..
Purdue started off with a bang with big hitting soumyang going after everything...
They were 74/2 in 13 ..and that when Challengers decided to pull their socks up..
Nilesh and Darshan ran thru the batting...and Purdue were bundled out for 117 in 30 overs or so..
There was a breif interruption with rain around the 20 over mark...
Chasing 118, Challengers started disastrously losing Bhavesh in the first over..
From there it was all under control with ..swashbuckling Darshan playing like Darshan crafting a majestic 67..with Sanjay playing a brilliant anchor at the other end...this couldn't be scripted in any wrong way..
Challengers wrapped it up in 18.5 overs with Mahesh providing some big hits to close it out..
Thanks to Purdue for hosting us ...
Shekhs - A very good win to savour.
Shekhs,
About the night tourney, a few questions:
1. Is it going to be on Mon, Tue, and Wed only?
2. Where can we send in our scheduling requests. No contact info for you has been posted.
3. When does the tourney start?
Thanks.
Pak vs. Muslim
First of all what a game., who ever didn’t show up missed a cracker!!!
Muslim batted first, they were going slowly kamran only managed 10 odd runs while he was there till the 10th over I believe….then he got out so did the other opener. Then came in Mehmood who from the word go looked in great form, middling everything. Muslim short after lost another wicket some new guy. Then came in Mo, mehmood and mo had a good partnership. Mo smacked 5 sixes(3 of shahid big deal!!!). The tail did wag a little and Muslim ended up with 184 all out. Mo 46 and Mehmood 60odd.
Pak didn’t have a great start, they lost wickets at regular intervals. Maaz replacing his injured brother(SAAD) bowled with the same style as his brother and ripped through the middle order of PAK. By the 30over pak were reduced to 107/7. At this time shahid and raheel were in the middle. They built a solid partnership for like 50 some runs with shahid and raheel dealing in boundaries. Then when it looked like pak will ease home mehmood snatched a guaranteed six out of the air from raheel’s bat. If catches win matches this catch surely did. Shortly after, shahid unnecessarily went to smack kamran was caught at long on by mehmood again. Last wicket and pak needed 17 runs. In came Abid…..they got few singles and then out of nowhere Abid smacked 2 sixes consecutively to Arshad. And then again pak seemed to have had the game in the bag until Abid with the last ball of the same over Abid got out at a simple catch at cover, and muslin won by 1 run.
Meanwhile, congrats to Adi on the continued rolling along of the Phoenix juggernaut - when were you last actually dismissed, anyway?
C8W, thanks, but congrats must go to the entire team. Each game enough members have put their hands up and won the game for us as opposed to any singular individual.
ps. Juggernaut might be making a mountain out of a mole hill, but momentum has been kind to us. :)
Adi,
sorry, didnt get a chance to reply to your previous comments on the night tourney..
1. Is it going to be on Mon, Tue, and Wed only?
Yes, its only gonna be Mon, tue, and Wed.
2. Where can we send in our scheduling requests. No contact info for you has been posted.
You can send your scheduling requests to me - shekhs.aravind@gmail.com
3. When does the tourney start?
Fortunately (about time) and unfortunately (short notice)...next week, next monday.
06/30/2008.
we are still trying to get a few last minute teams in, and thats whats taking so longto come up with the format and the schedule.
Hopefully we will get it in soon.
Please let me know if you have any other questions.
Thanks
Shekhs
Ram,
Thanks machi...a much needed win (a convincing one)..
Hardluck with you guys..at least its just he first loss..something to learn from..
Adi,
Congrats on yet another win..juggernaut it is baby..admit or not.. :-)
At least we'll be the underdogs when we play you.. :-)
Congrats to all the winners this weekend!
Shekhs,
Thanks for the responses on the night tourney. Much appreciated.
Congrats on the win too. That's the Challengers team we all know so well.
Finally, you just cracked the funniest joke on this week's thread. Challengers the "under-dogs"???!!!! Pretty darn funny. Someone should write an article about your humour and not just Big Hitter's!
Who you guys playing this week?
Congrats Shekhs and Adi for your wins.
What is this Mini World cup about? Can you guys share some info?
ajoy, rup, alpesh, congrats on your wins and to everyone else that won.
Don't know much about this "mini" world cup. Still waiting to hear more details, but good to see some advance communication and planning.
look like my predications mixed this week.
div 1 - 2 right 3 wrong 1 rain out
div 2 - 4 right 3 wrong 2 unknown
Adi,
We are playing The invincible "Milwaukee" this weekend..
Its a tough one on their turf..
this is the 3rd road game in a row..nice huh.. :-)
about us being the underdog..we have 1 loss, 1 wash out and 3 wins..versus..Phoenix all Wins..
hmm...I dont htink thats a joke. :-)
Ajoy,
The mini world cup is supposed to be an all star weekend with the all stars representing their respective countries..
For example, Rup will represent West Indies, Adi will represent India, Faisal from United will represent Pakistan, Satha will represent Sri Lanka etc.
I dont know if we can for m a sri lankan team, unless some of us non-stars become sri lankans for a weekend..I dont think Satha will mind that..
:-)
hmm. interesting develupments. here my predications 4 playoffs.
div 2
jr, aaa, eagles, arena, evanston, madison, icc, iit, jaguars, giants.
div 1
phoenix, milw cc, peoria, united, sl, chall, advancers, pg.
tough 1 between cats and pg 4 final spot but picked pg. wow playoff without cats like lassi without milk.
will sun rise in west and set in east?
BH,
Already making predictions for playoffs.
On a happy note thanks for considering Arena a Play off Contender. :)
Shekhs, Adi,
If any of you are involved in any way in team selection in Mini Worldcup, My recommendation from my side would be Samir Raorane of Arena.
He is arguably one of the best bats in entire league. On his day he can single handedly tear any attack.
BH,
i think its a bit early to make those predictions...
I dont think the resilient cats are going anywhere..I think they'll make the playoffs..so will Pak Gym..
Thats just my opinion..
Well the sun will rise in the west...if Phoenix doesn't make the playoffs..
:-) thats on a humor note.. :-)
Ajoy,
I'll definitely get the work out about samir for the Mini world cup.
It would be awesome to watch him..
will he be able to make it all the way here?
Maybe he can ride with Sohail/ Amit, assuming that they will be coming.
Shekhs,
He would be willing to come I am sure. I will make sure that he comes :).
I want this lad to get all the exposure he can get.:)
I am sure once you watch him play, you will agree that he is an amazing batsman with every shot in his armory. I am still under hangover of his batting yesterday.
Mini world cup..I like it but not the time.. Holiday week ends are tough on the Family plans and lots of the all stars may be missing.
Here is my take on the teams.. The last time we had 8 teams but seeing we only got two grounds i say 6 teams.
India, Pakistan, West Indies, Rest of the world, MCC11, Mgt11.
RW, MCC11 & Mgt11 will have to be filled with players who did not make the India, pak or WI team.
2 groups of 3 teams. 1 ground to each group. best two of each group move to Semi and finals
prelim on Saturday. Semis & finals on Sunday
Now hanover park kills the Partying or can we get permission for some ?? on the Sunday??
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