Pawar praises the World Cup

The World Cup is days away from entering its most exciting stage - the knock outs. International Cricket Council however has already declared the event as a grand success. ICC President Sharad Pawar infact, termed it as 'potentially the greatest and the most dramatic ever'

With India, Australia, Pakistan, West Indies, South Africa, New Zealand, Sri Lanka and England making it  to the quarter final, Pawar said that the standard of cricket has been impressive. "There is no doubt that 50-over cricket has a real attraction and an amazing appeal for players, spectators in the grounds and the hundreds of millions watching on television around the world," he said.
Pawar specially mentioned India's tied match against England and said those who doubted the popularity of 50-over cricket, have been proven wrong. "Some people have been predicting the demise of 50-over cricket but they have been proven wrong throughout 'The Cup that Counts'. The television audience figures have set new records and the India v England match was the most viewed game in ICC Cricket World Cup history with multi-millions in India alone tuning in," he said.

With it, he also backed Haroon Lorgat's earlier statement that the World Cup would prove that the ODIs 'were alive and kicking.' The ICC Chief Executive in an interview to a website had said that he believes players, spectators and administrators still attach great value to 50-over cricket.

The ICC also announced the match officials for the quarter final ties. Ranjan Madugalle will be the match referee, Marais Erasmus of South Africa and Ian Gould of England will officiate on the field when India takes on Australia at Ahmedabad on Thursday. Englishman Richard Kettleborough is the third umpire for the match.