The ongoing Cricket World Cup 2019 has earned the dubious distinction of being the most badly affected edition with a high number of matches being washed away (four so far) due to rain and wet weather. With just one-fourth of the games being played so far, fans are wondering whether the rain gods will be kind enough for the rest of the tournament.
While cricket buffs were looking forward to an exciting clash between the two unbeaten sides of the tournament — India vs New Zealand — it turned out to be a damp squib instead.
With more rains predicted in the coming week, angry fans have not only expressed their disappointment at rained-out matches, but also let their creativity flow to come up with hilarious memes, turning Twitter into a fun fest.
The memes range from players playing underwater, changing the ICC World Cup logo, describing the ground staff as ‘man of the match’ to mocking ICC to change the World Cup venue. But are teams losing out on the opportunity to better their standing on the points table? Sports commentator and analyst Ayaz Memon, who is currently commentating in England for the World Cup, states that it is too early to say.
“It is premature to comment that teams are being badly affected, especially as there’s nothing one can do. The weather is not in anybody’s control, so what else can ICC do?” he asks, adding, “Remember, India won the World Cup in England in June, so it would be harsh from the fans’ point of view to demand a change in the World Cup venue.”
Even while the ICC has explained in detail that they don’t have a reserve day, sports expert and Head of Global Fan Sport Community, Sunil Yash Kalra, who is currently in England to witness the World Cup, recalls that the 1999 World Cup in England had reserve days for crucial matches. “It’s ICC’s bad planning and as a result, fans who have bought the ticket at a premium from various people do not get refunds. Only the original recipient of the ticket gets a refund. It’s a sad reflection,” he explains.
