Great contest

The ICC T20 World Cup has started. Teams like India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa and England as expected started on a high note, but it is great to see the way Associate teams (non Test-playing teams) are performing and giving a tough time to Test playing nations. I must appreciate the ICC for nurturing Associate teams.

The ICC has been doing hard work for a very long time and now results have started showing. It is great to see teams like the UAE, USA, Netherlands, Scotland, even Nepal doing very well. I am impressed with the way they are performing. All of them have improved a lot in just a few years. This is just the beginning.

I am sure Associate teams are going to make the competition tough for others. This shows teams like Nepal, USA, UAE and others have come fully-prepared for the tournament, but I am also eagerly waiting for Feb.15, when India and Pakistan will compete against each other. As usual, the India-Pakistan match is going to be very interesting. The entire world comes to a standstill when the two teams play against each other. Since the match is on Sunday, I have also decided to stay at home, just for the clash.

Khaja Ziauddin,
By email