What is it about India and cricket?  If you mention going to a cricket match, most people in US smile politely, then picture an Old World of young men lazing away the day on the cricket field with lunch and tea breaks to boot.  Hardly the case these days.

The crisp whites of the linen-and-parasol set have long been replaced by teams of superb athletes in uniforms in bright blue or orange or green.  Multiple game formats have evolved with the shortest version of the game time now lasting about three hours. 

Cricket is almost religion in India where the entire country comes together around the new formats of a game that now defines modern India.  

Cricket has gained a new fan base throughout India. It’s a game with a ball and a bat that can be played anywhere – and millions of people now cheer for winners who combine teamwork, trust, timing and the quickness to think on their feet. 

The values sound familiar because our company owes its success to the same values. FedEx delivers fast and reliable solutions because we use our combined strengths to work as a team. Our people are our success story – and are ready to help India reach its expected 9% economic growth in the next year.  

For the Cricket World Cup this year, FedEx is supporting ESPN’s coverage with a social media platform called FedEx Fan Network.  You can follow along for the most up-to-date info and connect with fans all over the world. http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/site/worldcup2011/fannetwork/index.html

No matter which sport, it’s exciting when nations compete for glory. Suddenly, hundreds of millions of people are united and for those hours, they are one.  I was in India last week when they beat Australia,  and the country came to a halt.  The passion this World Cup has generated is truly extraordinary to see. 

It’s down to the Final Four!  The Cricket World Cup semi-finals are March 29-30 and the Final on April 2.  

I’m partial to the men in blue playing for India…but let the best team win!