This article was originally supposed to be only about unsuitable pitches in the West Indies and the USA, particularly Big Apple's deadly track, but now, it must include a horror story about the Pakistan cricket team as well. It is my belief that the Pakistan team was not destined to do well in this year's World Cup vis-à-vis the power struggles, the poor captaincy scenario, an inadequate squad unsuitable for the conditions, and most importantly, once Babar Azam orchestrated the scenario to from under the wings of his friend Shaheen Shah Afridi in an unsavoury manner, the team spirit had fallen to its lowest ebb, whereby I had predicted on my a few days ago that I don't see Pakistan qualifying for the Super-Eight stage, and I saw imminent danger from the Americans. I believe this prediction makes me the Nostradamus of cricket.
Coming back to the wickets in the USA and the West Indies, they have been too bowler-friendly. Yes, it is still early days, but the indications so far have not been great. There is no doubt in my mind that I love it when the World Cup is played in England.
I am a tad biased, but there are plenty of excellent reasons for my bias. Firstly, the conditions in England are perhaps the best for playing cricket—barring the rain! The pitches in England offer equal opportunities for both batters and bowlers, while the grounds are simply beautiful. Even the fans who turn up to watch matches bring a unique flavour; the Barmy Army's songs warm your heart and don'.