Waugh criticises ICC for empty stands in WC

Former Australian captain Steve Waugh criticised the International Cricket Council (ICC) saying that the empty stands during the World Cup matches are a clear indication that they have got it wrong.

"It's crazy. I don't get it. The Caribbean is a great place to play cricket, it was my favourite place in the world to play cricket - the crowds were so into the game, there was a lot of music, they got stuck in and talked about the game, they had fun," Waugh was quoted as saying by The Daily Telegraph.

"Then all of a sudden we see nothing for the World Cup. There is something clearly wrong there, with no music, no instruments."

"Someone has got it wrong, the pricing of tickets is too dear, they would not let instruments into the grounds, and it is part of the essence of Caribbean cricket. That's what it's all about," the former Australian skipper said on the sidelines of the Laureus World Sports Awards in Barcelona.

Waugh said that the ICC tends to get blamed for most things and that he doesn't know whether it is the fault of the world body or the organisers of the World Cup.

"Surely, getting local people and youngsters into the matches should have been one of the motivating factors of hosting the World Cup on the islands. They should have listened to the local people and what they wanted," he said.

On his country's chances in the World Cup, Waugh said: "Australia are not doing anything wrong and can only get better. They are shaping up, but at the moment I could see any one of four sides winning it."

New Zealand and South Africa have a fair chance and Sri Lanka look like a strong unit too, he said.

"Any of the four sides can win it from the semi-finals onwards. You only need a bad day and you are out," he said.

On the two minnows that have sprung surprise this time, he said: "I also think Ireland and Bangladesh deserve to be in the final eight. They are playing well and enjoying themselves. I have been very impressed with Ireland."

(IANS)

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