The ICC have a stringent vetting procedure when they grant media accreditation and it’s a matter of pride not only for us but for our members as well that we are chosen in this capacity.

By Kamran Jamal (29th September, 2012)

As has been the case in all major series and tournaments, PakPassion.net will be present at the ICC World Twenty20 Sri Lanka 2012 as part of a select band of officially accredited media representatives

The ICC have a stringent vetting procedure when they grant media accreditation and it’s a matter of pride not only for us but for our members as well that we are chosen in this capacity. In a sense we represent the voices of the ordinary fans in a world where media interests in cricket and its players can be driven by commercial viability as opposed to what is fair. We are proud of our stance in that aspect and we are grateful that the ICC also sees our position in a similar fashion.

Its been almost 24 hours since my arrival in one of the most interesting and hospitable cities in the world – Colombo. Aided by one of PakPassions oldest friends in Sri Lanka, PPer Digital, I have had the opportunity to sample the beauty of this city and also experience the fervor of cricket fans.

There is a buzz for cricket in this city – obviously centered around the chances of a World Cup victory for the home team but to me as a cricket enthusiast – the very ethos of what PakPassion is all about – this is the equivalent of Cricket Heaven !

And it doesn’t stop there. The ICC comes under a lot of flak from many quarters round the world for what is assumed to be a heavy handed or arrogant attitude to how they handle and deal with matters related to cricket but no one will appreciate the work they put in to make Cricket what it is – a game of the masses – something that all of us can enjoy all year around.

This is not an easy task and in my personal experience, it starts with not the organization or its stated goals but by the personnel and their passion for cricket. This is not too dissimilar to how we feel at PakPassion but obviously at a grander scale. 

The ICCs media and accreditation team have their hands full at the moment. There are literally hundreds of journalists that are present in Sri Lanka at the moment – all vying for their attention. From seating arrangements in the media section to simple logistics – the work of the ICC team is cut out. It is therefore a great credit to Team and the organization they represent – the ICC - that they are going out of their way on a daily basis to help out each and every journalist. It doesn’t matter if you are top notch SkySports reporter or a representative of a volunteer organization such as PakPassion – we are all treated equally and above all , with RESPECT.

I may have been a stranger in a strange city but the warmth and help I have received in sorting arrangements at these games is phenomenal and goes to show that professionalism is deep rooted in this organization.

Long may the ICC continue to serve cricket with the spirit of fairplay that they inculcate in their staff, members and players – we at PakPassion.net with the backing of the ordinary fans will always remain their most ardent supporters.

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