Inderjeet Pabla

I graced Albert Park Reserve with my presence for the third time running for the season opener of the Formula 1 Championship 2007. A brilliant sunny ‘Melbourne’ day at the top of 25C, it was a perfect day for racing.

Kimi Raikkonen finished the race at the top of the ladder and he maintained a consistent lead through out the race and was able to deny 2006 F1 champion Fernando Alonso first place in the season opener that he would have hoped for. Lewis Hamilton, Alonso’s McLaren team mate, finished on the podium in his very first F1 race at third place and I think he could not have asked for more while the other Ferrari driver Felipe Massa finished 6th after he had to start last at the grid because of a penalty.

Just like every tournament has its own share of upsets, cricket WC07 saw Bangladesh stun India by 5 wickets and Ireland defeat Pakistan by 3 wickets. Not that I am too disappointed by Pakistan’s early exit from the world cup, however, I do have a bit of a heart ache about how India was just completely out shown in every department of the game by the so called cricket ‘minnows’. Tight bowling, agile fielders and good strokeplay, Bangladesh had it all, hence, the result.

I think it is time for India to pull their socks up and hope for the things to work out well for them in their next encounters against Bermuda on the 19th and against Sri Lanka on the 23rd of this month so they have some chance to make it to the Super Eight stage.

P.S. It could be a bit too optimistic and early at the moment but I am keeping my fingers crossed for India, I think we do stand a little chance this time and hope the ‘Men In Blue’ will bring the cup back to India after 24 long years.

I can’t wait for the world cup to start, have been waiting for it for long and it is finally here. It could be a bit too optimistic and early at the moment but I am keeping my fingers crossed for India, I think we do stand a little chance this time and hope the ‘Men In Blue’ will bring the cup back to India after 24 long years.

Bring it on!!

There is a sad news for all the cricket fans in Australia as none of the free-to-air channels will be airing all the world cup matches. Channel 9 will only be airing SOME of the matches which are as per the schedule given below:

27/03/2007 Super Eights D2 v A1 11.45pm
30/03/2007 Super Eights D1 v C2 11.45pm
31/03/2007 Super Eights A1 v B2 11.45pm
8/04/2007 Super Eights A1 v C2 11.45pm
13/04/2007 Super Eights A1 v D1 11.45pm
14/04/2007 Super Eights A2 v C1 11.45pm
16/04/2007 Super Eights A1 v B1 11.45pm
20/04/2007 Super Eights A1 v C1 11.45pm
25/04/2007 Semi-final 1 2nd v 3rd 12.45am
28/04/2007 Final SF 1 v SF 2 11.45pm

ABC radio will broadcast live commentary for all the Australia matches (except match 10 on the 18th of March) and the semifinals and the final. For the ones with a little deeper pockets, they can enjoy all the matches on FOX 1,2 and 3.

Poor world cup coverage I must say.

Here is wishing all my fellow country mates a very Happy Holi.