http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Sri-Lanka-c758 (Part 2) – Opinion
The times for the country however, are bound to change, and it can be safely said that they have already changed in contemporary times. The creation of the state of the art stadiums, with top quality player facilities, around the Island and a booming tourism
industry, has helped Sri Lanka rise as a premier sporting venue. Even the R. Premadasa Stadium, has undergone a new look.
The 2011 Cricket World Cup was a prime example of the difference that was felt by various teams who were playing in Sri Lanka, before 2009 and after that, was considerable. Hundreds of foreigners were seen flocking to the venues in Pallekelle, Hambantota
and Colombo, to cheer their teams and the home side, in encounters which were mouthwatering to say the least. In addition, the recently concluded SLPL, and the change in the nature of the pitches, have also been developments that have taken place straight
after the LTTE was disbanded. The bereaved Sri Lankan’s could not have asked for anything more.
In light of this, the 2012 ICC World T20, which is about to take off is bound to be a blockbuster hit. Not only does Sri Lanka boast an array of catering facilities to the tourists, it has also managed to transform itself and its image, from being a war
torn country into a peaceful one which acts as a model for peaceful co-existence, between different ethnicities. The euphoria of being a proud Sri Lankan supporter had initially, come back in the 2011 Cricket World Cup, but the upcoming tournament is bound
to stoke more emotions due to many other factors. This World T20 would be hosted solely by Sri Lanka, and the cricket mad public of which many had voiced their frustration over teams boycotting their country, can finally sit down in peace and watch their team
take on the world from the 18th of September.
The country also has a lot to offer for the tourists this time around. Its warm beaches, hotels and the bustling city life of Colombo and Kandy are just a taste of what the Pearl of the Indian Ocean has to offer. For the first time in about a decade, the
players would not be given caution calls for not being able to shop in places such as Majestic City and Odel in the capital. Previously, players were barred from even entering small crowded markets, where their presence would give the LTTE an excuse for wreaking
havoc on tranquillity. This time around however, the Sri Lankan experience is bound to be something truly unique, as purchasing statues of Buddha, riding in reckless rickshaws and bathing in the afternoon sunshine in close proximity to the Indian Ocean, would
be one of the few offerings that this Emerald Isle would bring. The players should really be l*****g their http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Mitchell-Claydon-c1973.
At the same time, the cricket is bound to be as exciting as watching the fifty-over World Cup. Towering sixes off the willow, tumbling saves from the fielders and stumps being uprooted by the bowlers, will be amongst the many sites that cricket lovers in
the island would be blessed with. If this tournament turns out to be a massive success and is a crowd puller in its own right, then there is a strong possibility that Sri Lanka will be in consideration for hosting other cricket events such as the ICC Champions
Trophy in the very near future. The only real issue would be the Monsoon climate, which could truly spoil a number of games by having them end up in wash outs. For Sri Lankan’s however, the dread of having a wash out would become immaterial for a nation that
had to bear the brunt of a civil war.
Disclaimer: Any views and opinions expressed in this article are solely of the author and do not represent Bettor.com's official editorial policy
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