It is quite refreshing to see sports teams being interviewed in their own language during international tournaments. As I was watching the post match interviews after the quarter final between Japan and Norway, it suddenly dawned on me that even on the host broadcaster feed with English commentary, the coaches and players were being asked questions in their own language. As a result it all appeared quite natural.

Contrast that to what I see a lot in cricket. There seems an assumption that everyone will be speaking in English. There is anxiety within the various cricket boards about choosing a captain who is somewhat fluent in English that can be seen as good representatives of their team. With many cricketers coming from underprivileged backgrounds in the subcontinent, it is nigh on impossible for them to achieve that.

Perhaps it is the fact that primarily the old British Commonwealth is where this sport is played, is a major part of this assumption. If inclusion is indeed the sport craves, then this assumption has to go.