SL celebrates, island style

Sri Lanka might be hosting the World Cup of the most popular form of the game at the moment, but by all bearings the World Tweny20 still comes up short when compared to the 2011 World Cup last year, when Bangladesh played the role of hosts and celebrated with frenzy.
In Bangladesh, cricket has a passionate following and whether it is Asia Cup or World Cup, crowds flock to venue as tickets become prime stock. Compared to that, the island nation, however, has shown a marked lack of interest and vigour for this World Cup.
The only time you feel the heat and excitement is when you enter the ground, where despite some half-empty stands during the Pakistan, South Africa clash on Friday, the R Premadasa Cricket Stadium still wore a festive look. Outside though, no one is talking about the tournament and proclamations that you are here to cover the T20 World Cup are met with brief ripostes. The tuk tuk drivers are the exception and match results are readily available from them.
The lack of excitement was even more marked during the first round matches, despite the fact that the biggest cricketing stars in the world had assembled in town. Things though, have changed for the better with the Super Eight's as excitement rose in a flying start at the Pallekelle on Thursday.
Sri Lanka's victory in a gripping Super Over against New Zealand followed by the West Indies' close win against defending champions England ignited the excitement among the cricket lovers in the country.
The islanders however have their own style for enjoying cricket. Few people are ready to interrupt their day's work but they all keep track of what is going on. And if you visit the restaurant and pubs during the evenings, you will find that people are glued to the TV sets during the matches.
It also seems that all Sri Lankans, irrespective of race or religion enjoy the dividends of peace after the eradication of terrorism from the country. The post-war development in Sri Lanka is amazing and there is virtually no trace of the fact that Sri Lanka had just fought a 30-year war.
The prevailing peace has aided tourists as well. Travellers have set out to explore the beautiful country and many have purposely chosen this time so that they are able to tag the cricket matches with their holidays. And that just turned the World T20 into a multinational tournament in terms of fans presence from the different participating countries.