Its more than a game, yet its only a game
Rayed Mamun
There are many passionate cricket supporters around the world, and this is a two way sword. A magnificent spectacle is taking place in the Caribbean, bringing people from all corners of the cricketing world together in a fun and peaceful environment. This same hunger and passion for the game has its dark side as well.
A couple of journalists were sitting down at the University Hospital in Kingston when a man came by and asked:
"Da coach who die? He Pakistan coach now?" He shook his head sadly. ?Maybe he take it to heart?" he said. "Even da biggest team can lose to little team, man. It a game, and da ball round."
Although this man doesn?t sound too articulate, the words he spoke, were words of wisdom. His thinking is an example to hundreds of millions of people in the subcontinent who cannot fathom something that a schoolboy could. Although Bob Woolmer?s cause of death has not been confirmed, the hectic scheduling of games, as well as the inevitable stress and rollercoaster of emotions, would have surely driven him over the edge.
There were calls for Inzamam and Woolmer to be ?arrested? after their shock loss to Ireland. People went out on the streets burning effigies of men who are supposed to be their heroes. Parts of Mahendra Singh Dhoni?s house were destroyed after India was upset by Bangladesh. Extra police were needed to protect the houses of Dravid, Sehwag and Kumble as well. What are these fans trying to achieve? Are the players and coaches simply robots with no emotions? Do they really need to be told by their countrymen when they?ve played badly? Is this the reason why the fans emotions go into overdrive?
I hope the fans are happy now. There is nothing wrong with supporting a team with passion, but when things start getting violent and out of control, the pressure can be unbearable for the players and officials. Cricket has its passion, but its only a game, but what wasn?t a game was Bob Woolmer?s life. Tributes have been flowing from all over the world for a great person and a great coach. Yes, but Bob Woolmer?s life was a game, where he kept rolling the dice, hoping for the best, and played by the rules of the uncompromising and stipulating fans. They made it almost impossible for Woolmer to win this game, and tragically, its now game over