A team effort

An editorial in the Indian Express states that one of the things that the 2011 World Cup will be remembered for is the hospitality and effort of the three host nations — Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and India, which includes the includes hard technicalities — upgrading stadia and infrastructure and making the host venues welcoming in look and feel — as well as words and gestures, to say nothing of the initiative seized by the Indian and Pakistani political establishments.

There were, of course, slip-ups and misses. So it was unfortunate, but unavoidable in the circumstances, that Pakistan lost its status as a co-host long before the tournament began. In every other way, the purported “snooze-fest” of February ended as the delight of spring, to which ICC associate members like Ireland contributed every bit.

Saturday night’s triumph will affirm the confidence of, and indeed boost, an already upwardly mobile and aspirational young India still further, states and editorial in the Asian Age.

Not for nothing does the world now look as this country as the story of the future, and the self-belief that will be derived from seeing their team beat every world champion team of the past — the West Indies, Australia, Pakistan and Sri Lanka — on their way to the pinnacle will serve to underline aspirations and self-confidence still further. India now knows that it can take on — and best the best.

Once again in the Indian Express, Dilip Bobb looks at the ten commandments of cricket that have emerged from this World Cup.

Thou shalt worship one true god: It may be a team game, but cricket demands one superstar who symbolises greatness and durability and inspires the rest of the team. Sachin Tendulkar has been anointed in that role for many years, regardless of who is captain or his own form. His has been a model role or role model, and his “tears of joy” are now part of official cricketing history.

Thou shalt always convey a sense of history: The history making has been overwhelming — first host team to win, first Asian finalists, first after 28 years, biggest TV audience, all time greatest captain, greatest team, the headline writers are having a historic time.