MELBOURNE, 11 November 2022: Visiting the MCG during matches is no big deal, especially if you are in the media room. But a media event when there is no match and an empty MCG is an experience in itself.
Today was one of those days minus the hustle and bustle. After a 35 minutes train journey to the city, I took a train to Jolimont station (MCG station) and walked down towards MCG’s Gate one, on the way met my friend Johann, and moved towards the Dean Jones Bar, Floor 2. In fact, we reached a bit ahead of time and met a journalist from Bangladesh. The Bar was being geared up for the media guests.
As journalists slowly trickled in, bottles of beer and glasses of red and white wine (And, juice and soft drinks) moved around. Meanwhile, the ‘T20 Men’s World Cup’ ( Initially, I thought it was a replica) was brought in and a photo with it pleased me. I thought I got it… Johann, an ace photojournalist was helpful with my Cup profile. Then there were others who took Cup photos from all angles and numerous times. Does one need so many photos? I am sure, for some a photo with the Cup, back home will have iconic value.
Nearby a door opened and one could see the vastness of the empty MCG, so different it looked compared to the 93,000 who were there for the India-Pakistan encounter. Lite bites (Vege & non-Vege) were welcomed at the evening media reception.
The eating was wrapped up with slow-cooked Lamb hot pot, lemon-scented herb Couscous Potato & Eggplant curry, basmati rice, mint yogurt & roti.
A bit of gossip was heard about the Sri Lankan cricketer who is facing rape charges and was denied bail. The final to be played between Pakistan and England, I heard, was a soldout.
But, maybe it was because of anticipation of an India-Pakistan clash, that vanished after England defeated India in one of the semi-finals. Now, social media is full of posts trying to sell their 14 November tickets.
This was one media event where there were no media briefings, announcements, or interviews despite the fellow who emails the media releases being there. Meanwhile, windy weather welcomed us as we moved to my friend’s car, to be dropped at Richmond station, for the journey back home. Despite being a bit sleepy, I looked at the photos sitting on the train. I realized, the MCG was much more than Cricket.
No doubt, I had the Cup in my mobile phone photo App. Uploaded on Facebook, and friends have been congratulating me. This is my world. Thanks, ICC.
