Got your ticket for cricket?
Culture Box
Stabroek News
March 24, 2007
It has been uttered so many times within the last few months that every Guyanese including your three-year-old knows Cricket World Cup is finally here and that the spanking new stadium at Providence is where the action unfolds.
Though many would like to get in on the cricket action live from March 28 to April 9, the reality is, they cannot afford to. Ticket prices are a bit high for the average Guyanese which is why we, though headed for Providence on one or two days, will be catching the excitement from the confines of our home.
Nothing beats watching cricket with neighbours and friends. Before you know it, there is a cooler with drinks, some cutters and it's a free-for-all. The house is full and people are talking serious cricket while others ramble on about all manners of silly things about the game. Suddenly everyone is an expert, and it could become a circus, particularly if too much alcohol is involved.
We fully expect a sizeable crowd at the stadium and it's likely to be packed to capacity on April 1 when West Indies will play their only match in Guyana. Some people are going for the love of the game while others are hoping to make a rare appearance on television.
Just yesterday, a group of men were watching cricket on television at the minibus park. In typical fashion, they went on about who will win the World Cup. A fight almost broke out when someone said West Indies doesn't stand a chance. The man was speaking his mind but to do such in public, in a society of passionate West Indian fans such as ours is risky.
What we have always found kind of strange is how passionate some people get over the game; we have seen some moved to tears if the West Indies fail in a particular match. The West Indies has experience and talent on its side and a chance as good as any to reach the finals of the World Cup but it is not something you can hold your breathe for. Still, people are placing bets and having near violent run-ins about the team. The excitement is nearing fever pitch.