Sunil Gavaskar, Ravi Shastri livid at ICC’s mid-match activity during India-West Indies match: ‘This is the World Cup’

Did the ICC almost hand West Indies an unfair advantage? Sunil Gavaskar and Ravi Shastri certainly think so, and they didn't mince words. The Little Master and the former India coach were absolutely livid about a mid-match laser show during the India vs. West Indies clash, and honestly, you can see why.

Here's the thing: at the end of the powerplay during India’s innings, bang in the middle of a crucial World Cup match, the stadium lights went down and a full-blown laser show erupted. Now, imagine you're Rohit Sharma, eyes set on smashing another six. Suddenly, you're battling flashing lights instead of bouncers. It's a distraction, plain and simple, and Gavaskar and Shastri were right to call it out on air. This is the World Cup, not a carnival!

The incident has sparked a furious debate. Was it just a bit of harmless entertainment, or did it cross a line? Let's be honest, these players are operating under immense pressure. They've trained for years, honing their skills to perfection. A momentary lapse in concentration, caused by something entirely avoidable like a laser show, could cost them their wicket, and potentially the match. And in a tournament as cutthroat as this World Cup, one bad match can send you packing.

What’s fascinating is the ICC’s apparent lack of foresight. You’d think they’d have learned from past incidents. Remember the infamous spotlight incident during the 1996 World Cup semi-final between India and Sri Lanka? History, it seems, has a habit of repeating itself. And while this laser show might seem minor in comparison, the principle remains the same: don’t mess with the players' focus.

The numbers tell a story too. India, after a blistering start in the powerplay, seemed to lose momentum immediately after the laser show. Coincidence? Maybe. But you can bet the West Indies bowlers were happy to capitalize on any disruption. It’s the fine margins that define these tournaments.

Looking ahead, the ICC needs to get its act together. A stern warning to the stadium authorities is the bare minimum. Perhaps a review of entertainment protocols is in order. The focus should always be on the cricket, and anything that detracts from that, no matter how well-intentioned, needs to be nipped in the bud. Because, let's face it, the next distraction might just cost a team the World Cup. And nobody wants to see that. All eyes will be on the upcoming matches to see if any changes are implemented, and if the players can keep their focus amidst the inevitable distractions of a major tournament. The pressure is on, not just for the teams, but for the organizers too.