No time for the World Cup in India

There might be those in India willing to sell an organ to go to the World Cup but according to an AFP report Indian fans are not very keen to watch the action in the Caribbean. Late-night starts, exam-time for students and, a media gone overboard to cheer the team have proven to be some of the turn-offs. "The ludicrous coverage by the channels - some even interviewed astrologers to forecast how India will perform - only leaves a bad taste in the mouth," said a fan quoted by AFP. Another fan disagreed with the opinion that Indian viewership would be high as people returning from office would be just in time to watch the match. "For professionals like me who work till late in the evenings, I don't think the timings are conducive to watch cricket despite the fact that I am an avid cricket lover."

Even the number of fans who wish to travel to the West Indies has dropped from the last time around when South Africa hosted the World Cup. Travel agent Raja Hoon said that the cost of travelling to the Caribbean, especially the cost of staying at hotels - charging between US$500-800 a night - had forced many people to rethink their plans. The travel industry, he said, had been forced to drop rates because of that. "There were at least 50,000 Indians who travelled to South Africa for the 2003 World Cup," Hoon. "We will be happy if 5000 make it this time. People are still waiting to see how India fares in the second round before making up their minds." Hoon, however, conceded that all that could change if India reached the semi-finals. "I am not a cricket fanatic to pray for our team, but this time I will be saying a few prayers."