by Anura Guruge
on June 27, 2024
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Yes, this is (atypically) NOT an original thought on my part. It has already been aired a few days ago.
I watched a fair chunk of the Afg vs SA semi-final live last night on ‘Willow TV‘. I was kind of shocked. Afghanistan, when batting, looked lacklustre. Half-hearted. All out for 56!
I am DELIGHTED for ‘South Africa‘. No secret that I am HUGE fan of the South African cricket team. To I they come across as a very united, committed team that genuinely play for their country, each other & their fans. You don’t see that with the West Indies. They do NOT have a country to unite them — or play for!
I also worry about the Afghan team. That they CHEATED, blatantly, in the previous match, against Bangladesh, upsets me greatly. I don’t like MY cricket being besmirched. So, there is also the Instant Karma aspect. They deserved to lose.
But, in the end I can’t stop thinking that MANY of the Afghan players were fretting about their LUCRATIVE IPL contracts. They didn’t want to risk facing India. IF they threw that match — THE FINAL — it would have looked bad. This was an easier option.
I could be wrong. Just what crossed my mind — BUT then again, I am not alone. SMILE.
