Who says we only ever hear bad news from Iraq? Quoting BBC News Online:

A Royal Military Police Major from West Sussex is spearheading a scheme to teach cricket to children in Iraq.

Andrew Banks, of Midhurst, is helping to bring the game to Basra Province to build bridges with local communities. Major Banks, of 110 Provost Company, said it had stopped some children from throwing stones at soldiers.

He said: "Something that runs through the sport is fair play. It would be very nice if the concepts of right and wrong were extended beyond the sports field.

"Maybe we have started something in Iraq. At least the children and their teachers were enthusiastic. But I don't think the Australians need to worry yet," he added.

[source: BBC News Online - 'Major builds bridges with cricket']

It occurred to me that maybe, once the 2007 Cricket World Cup is done, the tournament could move to Iraq and Iran for the 2011 tournament.

But alas, it seems the hosting of the 2011 World Cup has already been decided: it'll be shared between India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

So how about 2015? Nope: that'll be Australia and New Zealand. Okay then, 2019? No again: the tournament's back in England for that year.

Astonishingly, the ICC has everything sewn up until we reach 2023, by which time Iraq probably won't have had time to qualify for the World Cup, let alone host it. Bangladesh first appeared in competitive action in 1979 and reached the World Cup for the first time in 1999, which means we need at least 20 years, so it's all about 2027... if the ICC haven't already booked that one up, too.

By the way, we are now officially only the third article on the internet to mention the 2027 Cricket World Cup. In twenty years' time I'll look back on this as a proud moment. Coverage starts here and it's my sworn ambition to write for Dayorama at the 2027 World Cup Final. (I'll be 42. I'm going to go and cry now.)