Remember Mad, that brilliant American magazine of biting wit and satire that was launched in the 1950s?
One of their regular columns was called ‘Things We’d Like to See’.
So here is my very own take on what I would like to see at the ongoing 9th World Cup.

1. At least one upset in the first stage (as long as it does not involve India!): Such surprises are what make any world sporting event spicy and spectacular. The cricket World Cup has had its fair share. India were stunned by Sri Lanka in 1979 when they had yet to achieve Test status. Then in the first match of the 1983 event in England debutants Zimbabwe shocked the mighty Australians on the very first day. The biggest upset of them all may have been India beating West Indies in the final at Lord’s. But then Kenya’s stunner against the West Indies at Pune in 1996 is still a romantic favourite. And Zimbabwe beat eventual finalists England in 1992 as well.
Sure teams like the Netherlands, Bermuda, Ireland and Scotland are unlikely to surprise any of the big eight. But then if Bangladesh could surprise Australia at Cardiff in 2005 (and Pakistan in the 1999 World Cup), then surely anything could happen.

2. No more boycotts please: We had enough of these with England refusing to go to Harare and New Zealand declining to play in Nairobi last time round in 2003. And the refusal of Australia and the West Indies to face Sri Lanka in Colombo in 1996 almost brought the tournament to a grinding halt even before it started. Unlikely to happen this time around though given the Caribbean islands are mostly apolitical.
3. No drugs tests: There was the Shane Warne pullout on the eve of the 2003 World Cup and the highly suspicious withdrawals of Pakistani pacemen Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammed Asif this time around. But both out of competition The last thing cricket needs is to be dragged down to the level of cycling, athletics and weightlifting.
4. No rain! ‘nuff said.
5. India v. Pakistan in the Super 8 stage (and maybe beyond)—minus the mega-hype: Wishful thinking that!
6. No more ‘war of words’: The Gavaskar v. Aussie spat is uncalled for. Enough of mud slinging while cricket’s showpiece event is on, please gentlemen.
7. No mega totals: There is speculation that one-day cricket’s first 500 total may be achieved in the group stage. Let’s hope not. Much more exciting if we have low-scoring games like the tournament opener between West Indies and Pakistan.
8. A host winning the title finally: Eight tournaments and this has never happened before. Sri Lanka came closest in 1996 as co-hosts. But they beat Australia in the final at Lahore, not Colombo. What a wonderful parting gift it would be for Brian Lara.
9. But then, how about India? Dare one dream?!