Rules and Regs, Heart and Right

India vs Pakistan fixture remains real concern

    There is a much to commend the organisers of such a huge tournament as this. It is a logistical challenge which many are having second thoughts about tackling. It is a vast undertaking, the consequences of which mean the ‘small picture’ is lost to the big one.

Apologies for repetition, but the Nassau County Stadium has been built for one game. It will host eight, but seven are inconsequential and some are mere loss-leaders, like the Ireland/Canada match. The two vast, VIP luxury air-conditioned suites were completely empty. Except for serving and cleaning staff. I know, I went and saw with my own eyes.

The sweeping terraces outside with their cute little ‘I’m important’ cocktail tables and the faux leather chairs, all empty. Meanwhile, mid-height in one of the four main grandstands, were the families and loved ones of the Irish team. Unsheltered in close to 30 degrees. Moms, Dads, and in some cases, Grandmas and Grandpas.

It’s the inflexibility and inability to adapt that kills me at events like this, and this one has been the worst of all. When I’d walked for over 90 minutes before the first game, against Sri Lanka, and was drenched in sweat and flustered, the desire not to help appeared to increase.

What a difference it would have made to the families and friends of the Irish and Canadian teams if someone from the ICC or Local Organising Committee had seen fit to lead them into the comfort of the empty suites. It wasn’t something that could have been offered beforehand, but given the (predictable) emptiness of the $2000 seats, why not be proactive after the game has started and give 65-year-olds on a trip of a lifetime to watch their sons something to really remember?

Graeme Smith, as Commissioner of the SA20 League, is acutely aware of finances. He was hired by the ICC to commentate on South Africa’s first three games in New York. And their fourth at Arnos Vale in St.Vincent. Apart from getting to the island, his return journey would have necessitated overnight stays in Barbados and London to get back to Cape Town. Business Class. For those reading this without international travel experience, close your eyes. It’s over R400k. Smith declined, as a professional administrator. He could not justify the expense, even though it was not his, personally or professionally.

    Shaun Pollock was similarly bemused by the scheduling. It has been done with a slide-rule and random algorithm, it seems, but most certainly without the common sense which kept players families in the hot sun for no good reason. (Incidentally, the aircon and suites were 145 steps from where they were sitting. I counted four times.)

    The security arrangements here on Long Island remain a huge concern. The major problem is that the ultra-aggressive SWAT teams and all the other police departments have no idea of the people they are protecting, or what it is they are passionate about. Cricket is a complete anathema to them. So, they have resorted to ‘ultra’ status, which is nasty. Every day there seems to be a new unit on site. This one is an eyebrow-raiser…

    My great fear is about Sunday’s India/Pakistan match. This will be my fourth and, in small, isolated pockets, they can feel febrile, hostile and potentially aggressive. But it is handbag stuff. 99.5% of the fans enjoy their rivalry and each other’s company. It’s the tiny minority of chanting, fist-pumping that intimidate.

    The American police and security services have no experience of this and no understanding that it is patriotic posturing with almost nothing harmful behind it. The British police have been superb in dealing with it. Surrounding errant groups like drunk teenagers until they calmed down. The worry here is that they might be shot in order to calm them down. Anyway, at least Burger King is coming to the party.