Of course we don't have any right to expect that international cricketers will play for their countries--or their regions/states/counties--with pride as opposed to just for the money. But if they do play just for the money then all professional cricket as we currently know it other than franchise competitions will go down the pan--probably very quickly. And if you're only doing it to get as much money as quickly as possible, then you're contributing to an ecosystem where you enrich yourself at the expense of other people's poverty--or joblessness. Fair enough is an interesting phrase in that respect, because fair is the one thing that it isn't. On the level where shameless self-interest is fair enough, then it's fair enough--but it's also greedy, self-obsessed, uncaring, and devoid of any moral values. Maybe cricket as a game for ALL its participants can't get rid of that kind of character too quickly!
Ha! Dave, I'm far too stressed at the moment to process this... I think we share similar values and desires but I'm battling to get my India visa, worried about flights and hotels, stressed about not being able to have a boiled egg for breakfast and still waiting for my flight details to Jo'burg tomorrow to present the Proteas vs Sri Lanka on SABC3. Yep, you heard it here first - the World Cup is back on SABC!
Some years ago, I met his sister (whose name I can't remember) at Pirates in Greenside after a baseball game in which she was playing (it may have been softball).
Anyway, she spoke about de Kock deciding early on that, if cricket was his chosen career path, then he could not afford to waste time on getting an education and was focussed on improving his skills, often skipping classes.
And it struck me as being a smart move.
After all, the window for maximising earnings for a professional cricketer is small and the earlier you can start, the better your prospects.
You're absolutely right, Dave. And I have no doubt that Quinny will sign up for degree course as soon as he's called time on his career with R150m in the bank. :)
Sjoe- 40-45 years is a long time to be retired. Our best batsman IMO. I don't believe any of our other players has his ability nor technique. Reminds me a bit of what happened with Barry Richards during isolation. He seemed to get bored here. However Australian cricket offered him a new challenge where he thrived. To be honest I don't think franchise cricket even excites QDK now. The world cup is going to be a washout due to rain in any case. I hope not- because I want Quinny to show just how brilliant he is- as batsman & 'keeper.
Hi David, I'm not sure 40 years retired will feel like a long time to Quinny. The most admirable aspect of his career in the last 4-5 years is the commitment he has shown to it - given how little he actually likes the game.
Growing up is difficult is it not?
No one is excluded, and we live forever with the consequences of impulsive decisions.
Of course we don't have any right to expect that international cricketers will play for their countries--or their regions/states/counties--with pride as opposed to just for the money. But if they do play just for the money then all professional cricket as we currently know it other than franchise competitions will go down the pan--probably very quickly. And if you're only doing it to get as much money as quickly as possible, then you're contributing to an ecosystem where you enrich yourself at the expense of other people's poverty--or joblessness. Fair enough is an interesting phrase in that respect, because fair is the one thing that it isn't. On the level where shameless self-interest is fair enough, then it's fair enough--but it's also greedy, self-obsessed, uncaring, and devoid of any moral values. Maybe cricket as a game for ALL its participants can't get rid of that kind of character too quickly!
Ha! Dave, I'm far too stressed at the moment to process this... I think we share similar values and desires but I'm battling to get my India visa, worried about flights and hotels, stressed about not being able to have a boiled egg for breakfast and still waiting for my flight details to Jo'burg tomorrow to present the Proteas vs Sri Lanka on SABC3. Yep, you heard it here first - the World Cup is back on SABC!
Some years ago, I met his sister (whose name I can't remember) at Pirates in Greenside after a baseball game in which she was playing (it may have been softball).
Anyway, she spoke about de Kock deciding early on that, if cricket was his chosen career path, then he could not afford to waste time on getting an education and was focussed on improving his skills, often skipping classes.
And it struck me as being a smart move.
After all, the window for maximising earnings for a professional cricketer is small and the earlier you can start, the better your prospects.
You can get an education at any time in life.
You're absolutely right, Dave. And I have no doubt that Quinny will sign up for degree course as soon as he's called time on his career with R150m in the bank. :)
I'm not sure I would go that far.
But yes, I would imagine he's pretty well set up for life and can do whatever he wants to.
Sjoe- 40-45 years is a long time to be retired. Our best batsman IMO. I don't believe any of our other players has his ability nor technique. Reminds me a bit of what happened with Barry Richards during isolation. He seemed to get bored here. However Australian cricket offered him a new challenge where he thrived. To be honest I don't think franchise cricket even excites QDK now. The world cup is going to be a washout due to rain in any case. I hope not- because I want Quinny to show just how brilliant he is- as batsman & 'keeper.
Hi David, I'm not sure 40 years retired will feel like a long time to Quinny. The most admirable aspect of his career in the last 4-5 years is the commitment he has shown to it - given how little he actually likes the game.
They have that luxury these days….!!
They do indeed, Barry! Wait 'til the SaudiT20 League starts offering $100k per game...