Dhoni delighted over playing tournament in Caribbean

Captain of the Indian cricket team Mahendra Singh Dhoni believes that when the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Twenty20 World Cup comes to the West Indies next year, it would be nothing short of fantastic because the type of game fits  perfectly with the West Indian culture.

Speaking with Stabroek Sport upon the conclusion of their one-day series tour of the West Indies in St Lucia last week, Dhoni expressed his delight in the championship moving to this part of the world.

Dhoni, who piloted his side during their five-run victory over Pakistan to win the first installation of the World Twenty20 tournament in South Africa in 2007, noted that in the Caribbean the people are always joyous for the shorter version of the game and don’t like to be disappointed.

“Whenever you come to the West Indies it is a different atmosphere all together, the music, the people out here, they shout with the bowler and you have to entertain them because if you’re not really entertaining them then you are in trouble,” said Dhoni.

He added, “I think it would be fun, you know, the sightseeing as well, because as you see it’s a cramped up tournament, it’s not like they are big breaks in the middle but still it’s a beautiful place to be in, lovely people, good music so I’m certain it would be exciting and it’s a big success.”

India would be grouped with South Africa and would open their bid to a second title in three outings in the tournament in Barbados at the Kensington Oval on Thursday, May 6, 2010.

The tournament will be held on four Caribbean territories (Guyana, St Kitts, Barbados and St Lucia) from April 30 to May 16.

Guyana will host the opening along with matches in Group ‘D’ with the West Indies, England, Sri Lanka, New Zealand and Zimbabwe.

This would be the second time one of the ICC’s prestigious tournaments would be coming to the Caribbean with the first being the limited overs World Cup in 2007.

However it was viewed as  disappointing, marred by loud cries from the nationals of several host countries over the stiff restrictions that took away the colour of cricket in the West Indies, not to mention the exuberant ticket prices.

But it was promised by cricket’s government body that this time around, it would be totally different since the shorter version of the game makes for festive vibes and  would truly depict the Caribbean as it is popularly known around the world.

Also they have significantly lowered the ticket prices with tickets costing as low as US$5 and the highest going for US$40, but this would only be for the finals in Barbados.

The event next year will be held under the theme ‘Captivating, Contagious Cricket’.