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T20 World Cup 2024: New Cricket Contenders and Shifting Powers

by with No Comment CricketFeatured HighlightsIndia

T20 World Cup 2024: New Cricket Contenders and Shifting Powers

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The 2024 T20 Cricket World Cup has unfolded as a fascinating saga of unexpected performances and shifting dynamics. Hosted jointly by the United States and the West

Indies, this year’s tournament has been a platform for emerging teams to shine and traditional powerhouses to stumble. Here’s a look at the highlights, surprises, and

predictions as the tournament enters the next phase of Super 8s.

The 2024 T20 World Cup has seen newer teams stepping up their game, bringing fresh excitement and proving that they are no longer mere participants but serious contenders on the global stage.

Nepal: Nearing a Historic Upset

Nepal’s match against South Africa was a nail-biter, showcasing their evolution at the international level. Despite being up against a seasoned and formidable South African side, Nepal pushed their opponents to the brink, almost clinching what would have been a historic victory. This performance underscored their potential and the growing depth in their cricketing skills.

Namibia: Close Calls and Narrow Losses

Namibia’s participation in the World Cup has been marked by tight contests and commendable efforts. They came close to winning on few occasions, showing that they are not far from breaking through to the next level. Their ability to compete closely with more established teams speaks volumes about their preparation and potential for future tournaments.

Scotland: Dominating Giants

Scotland has been a revelation, delivering top performances against some of the tournament’s biggest teams. Their matches against England and Australia were particularly impressive, where they played with confidence, proving that they are a force to be reckoned with in the T20 format.

USA: A Wild Card with a Wild Ride

As co-hosts, USA received a wild card entry into the tournament and seized the opportunity with both hands. They stunned Pakistan with a remarkable win and pushed India to their limits in a well contested match. Their spirited performances have been a breath of fresh air in the tournament. However, despite their on-field success, it remains uncertain whether these efforts will translate into a broader interest in cricket within the United States. The sport still predominantly attracts expatriate communities, and it will take more than a few wins to embed cricket deeply into American culture.

Oman, Uganda and Papua New Guinea: Learning the Hard Way

For teams like Oman, Uganda and Papua New Guinea, the World Cup has been a tough lesson in the rigors of international cricket. The disparity in skill and experience was evident as they struggled against seasoned opponents. However, participating in such a high-level tournament provides invaluable exposure and learning opportunities,

which are crucial for their development.

Netherlands, Canada and Ireland: A Nothing Tournament

Netherlands, Ireland and Canada have been on the Associate level circuit for a while. In fact, Ireland and Netherlands have played in past international tournaments and caused upsets. Who can forget Netherlands knocking out the giant South Africa at the last T20 world cup. Unfortunately, these 3 teams played mediocre cricket. Although not many expected them to win games, they were certainly expected to give a decent fight. That of course did not happen.

While emerging teams have shown promise, some traditional cricketing powerhouses have surprisingly struggled, failing to live up to their reputations.

New Zealand, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka: A Rough Road

New Zealand, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka have faced unexpected challenges, each failing to advance to the next round. Their early exits are a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket, where even the most experienced sides can falter. These teams have not only lost games but also a bit of their aura as formidable opponents in the shortest format of the game.

Afghanistan and Bangladesh: Rising Up the Ranks

In contrast, Afghanistan and Bangladesh have played admirably, securing their spots in the next round. Their performances suggest a shift in the balance of power within the cricketing world. Both teams have shown resilience and skill, stepping into roles traditionally occupied by the likes of Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

England: Living Up to Expectations

England, known for their aggressive and adaptable T20 style, have lived up to their billing. They have performed consistently, leveraging their dynamic approach to secure

 

their place in the next stage of the tournament. Their ability to play fearlessly under pressure continues to make them a formidable T20 side.

The Dominant Forces

As the tournament progresses, the established giants continue to dominate, reaffirming their positions as the top teams in the world. India, South Africa, Australia, and the West Indies have each topped their respective groups, showcasing their strength and depth.

These teams possess a blend of talent, experience, and aggression that makes them formidable opponents.

India: Combining tactical acumen with explosive batting and a versatile bowling attack, India has consistently outperformed their rivals.

South Africa: Despite their scare against Nepal, South Africa’s robust team dynamics and skilled lineup have seen them through to the top.

Australia: Known for their relentless competitiveness, Australia has continued to display their dominance with powerful performances.

West Indies: Leveraging their home advantage, the West Indies have played with flair and confidence, making the most of familiar conditions.

The Home Advantage: West Indies have the Upper Hand

With the remaining games scheduled in the Caribbean, the West Indies have a significant home advantage. Their familiarity with local conditions, coupled with enthusiastic home support, positions them strongly as favorites to lift the trophy. While all four group leaders are strong contenders, the West Indies’ home advantage could be the crucial factor tipping the scales in their favor. Given their current form and the benefits of playing on familiar grounds, they are poised to be the team to beat in this year’s tournament.

The 2024 T20 World Cup has been a spectacle of emerging talent and unexpected twists. As newer teams rise and traditional powers recalibrate, the tournament highlights the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of T20 cricket. Whether this year’s surprises will lead to lasting changes in the cricketing landscape remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the excitement and unpredictability of T20 cricket continues to captivate the fans.

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Revitalizing Cricket in the USA: Rise of Franchise Cricket

by with No Comment BusinessCricketFeatured Highlights

Revitalizing Cricket in the USA: Rise of Franchise Cricket

Cricket, with a rich historical presence in the United States, has struggled to gain a large following compared to other sports like baseball. However, recent efforts to promote the game have emerged, including the establishment of franchise-based cricket leagues. Here’s a brief history of cricket in the USA, the challenges it has faced, and the introduction of new leagues and cricket franchises as a catalyst for potential growth.

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AngryMetaTraders.com Cricket Coverage

Early Presence and Decline:

Cricket has a long history in the United States, dating back to the 18th century, with the first recorded match taking place in 1751 in New York. During the 19th century, the sport enjoyed significant popularity, attracting large crowds to matches. However, the rising prominence of baseball, another bat-and-ball sport, and the exclusion of the USA from the Imperial Cricket Conference in 1909 led to cricket’s diminishing relevance within the country.

Perseverance through Immigrant Communities:

Cricket has managed to endure in the USA primarily due to immigrant communities from cricket-playing nations such as India, Pakistan, and the Caribbean islands. The USA now has a national cricket team recognized by the International Cricket Council (ICC), largely composed of players from these immigrant communities.

Franchise Cricket – A New Approach:

In recent years, the concept of franchise cricket has gained traction in the United States as a means to stimulate interest in the sport. Franchise-based leagues have played a pivotal role in popularizing cricket globally, attracting international players, unearthing local talent, and delivering captivating cricketing action to fans. Indian Premier League (IPL) is one of the most lucrative cricket leagues globally. Similar leagues have become popular in other countries like Australia (BBL), Pakistan (PSL), England & Wales (The Hundred), Bangladesh (BPL), West Indies (CPL) and many more.

Using this model in the USA, two franchise cricket leagues have emerged: Minor League Cricket (MiLC) and Major League Cricket (MLC). The MiLC was launched in 2020 and focuses on regional talent development, providing local players and youth (via cricket academies) with a platform to compete at a higher level. However, MiLC’s impact beyond immigrant communities may be limited as the players are still largely composed of immigrants from cricket playing nations.

MLC’s Potential:

The inaugural year of Major League Cricket is set to begin the 13th of July 2023, featuring six franchise teams with international players competing in matches scheduled in Texas and North Carolina. There are some big names who have invested in the MLC, ranging from tech CEOs like Satya Nadella to Bollywood stars like Shahrukh Khan, and venture capitalists among others. These investors will eventually turn into franchise owners. Although the launch of MLC has garnered attention in the cricketing world, its long-term success depends on factors such as attracting sponsorship, generating advertising revenues, and establishing loyal fan bases.

Measuring Success and Building Cricket Culture:

While cricket faces stiff competition from popular sports like baseball, football, and basketball in the United States, the investors and stakeholders in MLC probably understand the challenges ahead. Success should not solely be measured by financial returns, but also by providing opportunities for American cricketers to shine on an international stage. As interest grows, the hope is that cricket will gradually find its way into elementary schools, recreation programs, and the wider U.S sporting landscape.

Growth of USA Cricket and Sustainability:

Cricket’s journey in the United States has been marked by historical significance, challenges, and recent endeavors to popularize the sport. The introduction of franchise cricket leagues like MiLC and MLC brings new opportunities for growth and development, both for players and the overall cricketing culture in the USA. While cricket may never rival the popularity of established American sports, the passion and efforts invested in franchise cricket aim to build a sustainable future for the game, in order to create a lasting impact on the playing fields of the United States.

If you want to read more about cricket, please go to this article by Ibrahim Mirza: https://www.angrymetatraders.com/post/cricket-destined-to-be-a-fountain-of-joy-money-in-india

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Returning to the Roots of Commerce and Positive Contribution

by with No Comment AssetsBusinessFeatured Highlights

Returning to the Roots of Commerce and Positive Contribution

This article was originally written in September of 2009 when the U.S national debt was 3 trillion , as of June 2023 it is above 32 trillion USD. Mr. Jeremy Blatch suggests current economic conditions warrant further reflection.

As the bloodletting continues in an attempt to cure the banking disease, we are no closer to resolving the root cause of the problem of the financial crisis. Unlike the proletariat in France before the revolution, the masses have not been offered cake to chew on, but a diet of more indebtedness. The chosen elite have distributed billions of other people’s money leaving the silent majority to choke in anger and incredulity.

The Chairman of the U.S Federal Reserve, when challenged by Congress as to the authority which allowed him to give away billions of tax payer’s dollars, nervously sighted the Federal Reserve Act of 1913. The total capitalization of the USA at that time was perhaps USD 500b. The current Public Account Deficit of the USA is around 3 trillion USD (3,000,000,000,000). Where is the money coming from to repay this?

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The Dominance of Central Bank Policy and Government Mismanagement

For the first time in history, we have witnessed central banks and governments acting in unison to give away huge sums, seemingly daily to banks and the capital markets. In the press and media, figures in billions and even trillions have become common place. Governments are not companies. They cannot manufacture anything except perhaps lies. Or misspeak if you prefer to be politically correct. What they can do is print money, as they own and control the printing presses. They can then distribute the paper. In this case swallowed up by a banking system, drowning in its own sea of corruption, deception, mismanagement and greed.

We are told that the banking system is now stable again. But for how long and at what cost? The Damocles sword for failure in times of plenty, has yet to fall and will do so as a crippling tax burden on future generations. This at a time when Western governments are unable to guarantee their own elderly a life of dignity in their final years. The great champion of freedom and equality – the USA, cannot even guarantee its people a basic level of free health care at point of need.

The last decade has ended on a sad but predictable note, proving that we have sown the wind of increasing wealth at any cost, and have reaped the whirlwind. In the process we have singularly failed to distribute that wealth and resources equitably to where it’s needed.

Ironically one if the trends to emerge over the past decade of plenty are the development of socially responsible funds. The concept is to allow investors to direct their money into companies whose activities and ‘modus operandi’ are contributing positively to society. This is of course is selective, but at least the investor knows what their money is buying.

The Rise of Sovereign Wealth Funds as a ‘Caretaker’

Governments, especially with oil revenues have joined the band wagon creating Sovereign Wealth Funds. Norway the third largest oil producer, has formed a fund aimed at being socially responsible. In a global economy, ownership of companies is the most important way to have influence claims the Norwegian Foreign Minister. More humanitarian than an oil baron, the Norwegian government was key in gaining the International Land Mines Treaty, and also hosted the historic meeting in Oslo between Israel and Palestine. With the wisdom of Joseph they established a Petroleum Fund, in 1996, now renamed the Pension Fund to take care of the future generations. What a comparison to the arrogant ineptness of the USA, UK and Europe, who have burdened their future generations. The Norwegian government pension fund excludes companies that it believes are failing ethically. Interestingly, there are as many companies who are blacklisted abusing their employees as there are failings in other areas.

Whilst Norway has unambiguously laid out its outline addressing the needs of its own people before the needs of society at large, not the same can be said of Sovereign Wealth Funds which in general are about gaining political and strategic power by buying into the economy and owning strategic assets in the western industrialised nations. As we witness a shift in the balance of world economic power, ownership of strategic assets and the ability to guard and maintain trade routes will dominate the next decade’s macro economic strategy.

The concept of allowing investors choices consistent with their ethical beliefs is nothing new. But is it possible to combine successful business practices while looking after the disadvantaged.

The Impact of the Quakers in the Business World

The first funds to allow investors to direct their money into companies whose activities they approved of were pioneered by the Life Assurance Group Friends Provident in the 1980’s. This pioneering move was typical of the Quakers who were the founders of the Life Assurance Company. The Religious Society of Friends was a Christian movement founded in England in the 17th Century by George Fox. Puritans and non-conformist, they were given the name Quakers’ a term of derision, as they would often quake in the presence of God. They gained a reputation for social activism and were instrumental in the campaign against the transatlantic slave trade of the 18th and 19th centuries. Many were imprisoned for their faith and beliefs.

The Quakers flourished in business and due to both their success and religious beliefs made more enemies than friends. Persecuted and unable to gain insurance, they formed their own company. One of the overriding concerns of the Friendly Society, was to care for the poor and disadvantaged in their own communities.

Many captains of commerce and industry, in the 1800’s were Quakers, who founded and managed their businesses on biblical principals. Joseph Fry who started the famous Fry’s chocolates built a small town for his employees of his factories, with all amenities, schools, hospitals and recreation facilities. Work was scare, and many had to leave their home towns to find employment. Fry’s were bought by the Cadbury company. John Cadbury, himself, also being a Quaker. Edward Pease, owner and pioneer of the first railway in England from Stockton to Darlington housed his own employees, and Joseph Rowntree founder of the famous Rowntree Chocolates was the first person to develop low cost housing for the poor.

Barclays Bank had its roots in the Quaker movement. Unable to obtain loans the Quakers decided to form their own bank. True to their faith and beliefs employees were well housed and looked after.

In spite of being persecuted for their beliefs, through their success in business they were able to alleviate much poverty in serve the wider community. They didn’t need to wait for governments to bankrupt their future generations, they used what they had wisely, and gave something back. The bottom line in any business must be to make money. But as we have seen with the banking and financial crisis of today at what cost?

Originally published in www.ehh.gi in September 2009. Jeremy Blatch is the Founder and Consultant of Ein Harod Family Office.