While India will go into the full on tour of New Zealand without a single practice match, there is much to be gained from the cultural exchange.
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When the tour to Pakistan was called off, BCCI held forth talks with the New Zealand cricket board to tuck in another Test match to the two previously agreed upon. But it has come at the cost of the practice matches which would have helped the players acclimatize to the conditions, especially after their experience in 2002-’03. However, with the physical demands and financial compulsions of the IPL just days later after the conclusion of the New Zealand tour, practice match has been considered a luxury.
Former cricketers believe this is not in line with how tours should be arranged, even in the midst of hectic schedules where players would perhaps rather opt for rest than play an inconsequential match. But in getting to know one’s surroundings, one is also in a powerful position to impart on this two way journey as was seen with the Australian players interacting with Soweto, the crime torn, poverty ridden township of South Africa.
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Children, who have been denied a decent line, living in conditions deplored elsewhere, had a unique opportunity to interact, and learn a dream – that they could one day earn an honest, living by developing a career in sport. Nestled in these townships that the world would rather turn their face away from, these are the classic places where dreams breed and passions are ignited and the power to overcome situations requires only a catalyst, just someone in the garb of a Sachin Tendulkar or a Ricky Ponting.
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Who knows – it may well give rise to the next Slumdog Millionaire!
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Pic Above: The young cast of Slumdog Millionaire enjoy a day at Disneyland!
Right Above: Rubina Ali holds the Oscar for the Best Director presented to Danny Boyle
Second last pic: Children of the slums in Bandra, Mumbai, who happen to be neighbours of the cast of Slumdog Millionaire celebrate their victory at the Academy Awards in Hollywood, California,
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