Tab Article

Ratings: ★★★★☆ (4.3/5)
Genre: Cricket, Sports History, World Cup

Book Review:
Mark Mascarenhas's ''My World Cup'' captures a momentous event in cricket history through the eyes of those who witnessed it most closely. The 1996 Cricket World Cup, co-hosted by India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, was a landmark tournament that culminated in Sri Lanka's unforgettable underdog victory. This book, featuring contributions from an all-star lineup of cricket legends, documents that journey.

The roster of contributors reads like a who's who of cricket commentary and analysis: Imran Khan, Ian Chappell, Tony Greig, Sunil Gavaskar, Ravi Shastri, Ranjit Fernando, Richie Benaud, Michael Holding, and Geoffrey Boycott. Each brings their unique perspective, creating a multi-faceted portrait of the tournament.

For Sri Lankan readers, this book holds special significance. It chronicles the moment when Sri Lankan cricket announced itself to the world—transforming from underdogs to champions. Aravinda de Silva's match-winning century in the final, Sanath Jayasuriya's explosive opening, and the team's never-say-die attitude are all part of this story. Ranjit Fernando's contribution ensures a Sri Lankan voice in the narrative.

The 139 color photographs presumably capture key moments, players, and the atmosphere of the tournament. Visual documentation adds immediacy to the written accounts.

Beyond the cricket, the book also documents a logistical achievement: the subcontinent successfully organizing a 3-country, 25-match, 26-venue, 5-week tournament with flawless broadcasting. This demonstrated regional capability for major events.

The endorsement from Gary Burns of Australia's Nine Network—''a miracle''—speaks to the production quality of the television coverage and, by extension, the book derived from it.

For cricket fans, this book is a treasured memento of a historic tournament. For Sri Lankans, it's a celebration of a national triumph.

The main limitation is its focus on the WorldTel perspective—it's not a neutral journalistic account but a record from those involved in broadcasting. But that perspective has its own value.

Overall, ''My World Cup'' is a wonderful document of a watershed moment in cricket history. Its star-studded contributor list, visual richness, and focus on the 1996 tournament make it a must-have for cricket enthusiasts, especially Sri Lankans celebrating their team's finest hour. Highly recommended.