Neutral view over India/ Pak exit ....

:: To all Indian/ non- Pakistani fans out here -

What the primary reason(s) for Pakistan's exit from World Cup?

:: To all Pakistani/ Non-Indias fans out here -

What the primary reason(s) for India's exit from the World cup?
(technically India is still in, but we can see there's little oxygen left for them)

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It would be good if we stick to cricketing reasoning and also let's restrain from commenting over our own team (I know that's tough, but let's give a try;) ).

This would be fun understanding what's neutral opinion is over the exit of these two superpowers.

Being an Indian supporter here's my view - I think main reason of Pakistan's exit was the green top they got against Ireland. Had it been a normal surface, I don't think Ireland could have been a match for Pakistan. Pakistan would have easily been to Super 8s and from there, anything could have happened. I don't think they had that bad resouces (although overall result may suggest otherwise).

When a team is playing without their strongest units, everyone plays with a half heart. Therefore, all of them play badly.

India started their debacle progress when an arrogant Chappel kicked out Indias most dynamic and successful captain from the team and handed the reigns to Dravid , who was a mere puppet for a year. Ganguly from there on was treated like a complete stranger to Indian cricket. On the name of experimentation Chappel destoyed the confidence of Indian batsmen. Played them at different positions. Took players which he liked..
Till yesterday he was arrogant in front of the media in the press conference.
India will repent making him the coach and kicking out Ganguly. I guess they already are.

yes change was important but all that coul dhave been done after WC 2007. Till then Ganguly should have captained the team!

as an AUSTRALIAN supporter, i tell u the reason y they both exited the cup

1. I SAW PAK VD IRLND AND IND VS BNGLDSH BOTH MATCHES WERE AN INSULT TO THE WORD PRIDE. THERY PLAYED WITH NO PASSION, LACKED MOTIVATION, INSPIRATION AND ANYTHING ON THOSE LINES. THEY PLAYED AS IF THEY WERE DESTINED TO WIN THE MATCH ( AND THEREFORE THE CUP)

u cant play like this man, u are playing for ur country srsly, like this is ur country, pple die to watch others represent their country let alone play.

As a neutral, I'm disappointed at one level because obviously India and Pakistan have a glamour associated with them that Ireland and Bangladesh (assuming they qualify) don't have. I'm a bit partial to Pakistan (who are along with WI my second favourite team).

Having said that however, I believe that each World Cup needs fairytales and Cinderella teams, and it's fantastic that we have those in Ireland and (maybe) Bangladesh. I was thrilled when Kenya made it to the semis last WC, and I hope that Ireland and (maybe) Bangladesh can do the same. I think this can add a lot of impetus to Bangladesh's cricket in particular. I would love for cricket to have more viable teams than less.

From the optimistic view, team without some critical players makes way for vacancies & opportunity for young lads which they should grab with both hands and make the most out of it.

Interesting point I have notice is when subcontinent youngsters enters into international arena it looks like they are on tougher assignment compared to dometic circuit, whereas when an Australian breaks into international arena it appears otherway round

Pak have been taking things for granted forgetting that God only helps those who help themselves!! God is there for all mankind.

India.
I believe that the Indian team looks tired. They rely heavily on the older players who look past their prime and they have failed to keep reinventing the team. The whole Ganguly affair was a soap opera from start to finish and can not of helped team harmony. Compare that to the drama created when champions like Steve Waugh (ODI) or Michale Bevan were told "thanks for everything but your out" (ie. there was no drama and it didn't effect the team).

On paper it is very similar to the one that lost 4 years ago. If you do not keep injecting new ideas and talent you will be left behind as the other teams evolve. This is what the root cause of India losing is in my opinion. (and don't even get me started on the fielding and running between the wickets)


Pakistan
The loss of Shoaib and Asif was pretty much a terminal blow for the WC campaign. Also the constant off field dramas would of made it very difficult to properly prepare for a campaign of this magnitude. To beat Ireland, the one thing they had to do was play with discipline and keep doing all the basics well (see SA and Aus games against Scottland). I don't think the off field environment gave the players the stability to do this.

I am disappointed that they both lost as I was looking forward to both these games in the super 8 round and a India/Pakistan match is always fun. However, I am now looking forward to Bangldesh and Ireland matches almost as much. Sorry but as an outsider the WC is still has a massive interest for me, not least seeing how those young Bangladesh players cope against the best in the world.

My last bit of advice is that India and Pakistan better get off their ass soon otherwise in 4-6 years time, after their current players are tempered from years of international cricket, Bangladesh could overtake you in cricketing terms. World cricket need both India and Pakistan to field top class teams.