All tickets sold out !

Kevin O Brien's statement that IRE will beat India adds fuel to the fire.

All tickets have been sold out for Sunday's match.

The Indian fan, was not much interested in India's match against IRE and only 25% tickets were sold out. India was already leading and a match against a minnows side never triggered interest in the Indian bosom.

But then IRE beat England and then the whole scenario changed. Irish fame rose and Irish rise became a threat to India. Look at O Brien's statement.

With the result all tickets have been sold out. One billion viewers are guarateed, as mighty India face IRE on Sunday.

Even the chair tickets, selling at 500, are now selling at double the value.

Chris Cairns opined that in the Indian context this high value of tickets are expensive, even though not in the international context.

Barry Richards opined that BD has human resources. But unless the resources are augmented by good infrastructure and good coaching, they cannot be champions. He was commenting on the BD batting implosion ( 58 all out ).

Meanwhile, J Kallis opined that he is happy with his form with the ball. He is not thinking about himself, but is happy with the overall performance of the Springboks ! He said he was stunned by O Brien's performance. Ireland may have celebrated that night and the celebrations may not be over now !

Gavaskar opined that it was lack of experience which led Canada down. He said he is not downplaying the great spell of Afridi. Now Afridi seems to be one of the best spinners in the tournament.

Incidentally, there are adverse comments about the ICC decision to field only ten teams in the 2015 WC. This is not fair, many argue. ICC's decision may have been prompted by the fact that both Pak and Ind had to exit in 2007 WC early, due to the onslaught of the minnows and this made the 07 WC a financial disaster. But reducing the number of the minnows cannot enhance the expansion of the game. Only ten nations are playing cricket. Contrast this with football, where 100 nations are playing. If Cricket is to be all embracing like football, we have to expand this game to other countries. T20 can do that. If we reduce the number of minnows, there wont be any expansion. Business mentality has it that we reduce the number of minnows. This longish schedule has been criticised by KP. Ponting seconded the reduction of the number of minnows. But such a biz mentality can only harm the game. And we will not be able to expand the game !