Speed must go, with undue haste

What other sport’s governing body but cricket’s can completely mess-up their showcase tournament?

The Cricket World Cup in the West Indies can only be seen as an unmitigated disaster. Granted, the International Cricket Council cannot be held responsible for the mysterious death of Bob Woolmer, but most of the other sins can be laid at their door:

- An interminable competition lasting almost seven weeks

- Near-empty stadiums - Locals priced out of attending the matches

- Regulations that stopped people enjoying themselves – no instruments, no drinks unless bought through official concessions

- A commercial strategy underpinned by an assumption that India would at least survive the first round (they didn’t)

- Rigid application of a standard approach to handling rain-hit matches – which ruined the final as a spectacle

While some of these issues were addressed during the tournament, it was by then too late.

The only bright spot was the fun had by Bangladesh and Ireland in tweaking the noses of their supposed superiors.

The ICC has embarked on a strategy of commercial maximization since Malcolm Speed became their Chief Executive. He should now do the decent thing, and stand down.