On the eve of the Cricket World Cup, whose inaugural match will be played at Lords in London on May 14 between World Champions Sri Lanka and the hosts England, there is tremendous excitement among the billions of cricket lovers across the world, especially in the Indian sub-continent.

In India, especially, marketing and advertising companies, as also the print and visual media, have taken the excitement to fever pitch and it is the conviction of the youth that Sachin Tendulkar will win the World Cup for India.

From Color Television Sets to shaving razors, from cars to mobikes, thousands of products are attempting to ride the World Cup boom and rake in profits in May and June, the time for what is being billed as the biggest media event of the century.

Of course, the world believes that the South Africans are the favorites to win the World Cup, but the fans in India are convinced that given a bit of luck the Indian team can beat the best in the world.

Hawans and holy prayers have been held in small towns across the country to invoke the Gods to side with Azhar’s boys. Huge bats have been put up in public squares and have been signed by those wishing good luck to the Indian team.

While all attention is on Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid is also emerging as a hero, as also Ajay Jadeja, Anil Kumble and Javagal Srinath.

In recent days, cricket has brought about friendship between India and Pakistan. As a result, the Pakistani team under Wasim Akram is no longer being regarded as an enemy camp. Akram’s boys have got lot of coverage in the gossip columns of newspapers in India. As the tournament warms up, however, the traditional rivalry between the two neighboring countries will provide added excitement to the campaign. Of special interest will be the bowling action of the fiery Pakistani paceman Shoaib Akhtar and whether Tendulkar will tear him apart. As for Shahid Afridi, will his sheer aggression be a hit in England?

England is a solid side. Perhaps more than required. Mushtaq Mohammad has rubbed this side the wrong way by commenting on the aging nature of the team. Home conditions and the wealth of experience that the English side enjoys will provide the Brits a chance prove a point.

Australia is also being favored by pundits and bookies. The team has one of the best opening pairs in Mark Waugh and Adam Gilchrist, as also match winning bowlers in Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath. The best victory-creator in Michael Bevan is the ace up the sleeve for Australia.

Sri Lanka, the reigning champions, are not being given much of a chance to lift the cup. One recalls that they were not regarded as much even in the last World Cup. But they carried the trophy to Colombo all the same. If its batting gets going, Sri Lanka has the capacity to bat the opposition out of the match.

The West Indian side is overly dependent on Brian Lara, who is on the injury list.

New Zealand and Zimbabwe, with some talent in their ranks, have the potential to create upsets. But the format of the World Cup, league, super league and knockout, requires sustained performance.

The minnows in Bangladesh, Kenya and Scotland would be there to celebrate any victory they can snatch. Determined as they are, and the one-dayer being a one-dayer after all, one should not be surprised if the least fancied do have their days of glory.

Unfortunately, the English weather is proving to be unpredictable, as billed. Yes, there are reserve days to take care of washouts.

The run-up to the World Cup has been somewhat overdrawn and tiresome. The fans are waiting for the real action and excitement. They are bored with the expert comments and the replays of past matches shown in the plethora of television programs.

But once the action begins in the field on May 14, it will be a virtual Festival of Cricket till June 20. The mightiest cricketing nations from the four-corners of the earth will move every sinew to prevail in every match in a bid to carry the coveted cup home.

And, the world will sit in front of television sets and browse the Internet for the latest in news and for the strategy behind it.

So, pull your chair closer, put your feet up, and sit back to enjoy the greatest sporting event on earth, the World Cup Cricket ’99.

Incidentally, the tickets for all the matches in which India will take part have been totally sold out. And, tickets are available for the matches in which hosts England are playing. Perhaps, Bombay now qualifies as the cricketing capital of the world. And, if his millions of fans are to be believed, Tendulkar is its current presiding deity.

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