My 2009 Sporting Wish List!

Just some of the things that would bring a smile on my face if they happened in 2009, in no particular order....

I wish...

1) world sport sees the folly of paying athletes ridiculous multi-million dollar salaries amidst the economic crisis and agrees to cap the salaries (and transfer fees, where applicable!) of all athletes to something like $10m a year. For heaven's sake, how do justify an expense of 20 m euros for a middling central midfielder (Lassana Diarra) playing for a middling team (Portsmouth)??!!


2) my beloved Chelsea recover from a stuttering first half of the season to pass Liverpool for the English Premier League crown.


3) Barcelona and Chelsea meet in the Champions League final in Rome in May, and that I can get myself into the stadium somehow!


4) the Indian cricket team builds on a superb ending to 2008 and establishes itself as the side to beat in 2009.


5) the Indian Premier League final is again contested between Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings, with Chennai winning this time!


6) Usain Bolt breaks world records in the 100, 200 and 400 m to become the fastest ever human! And then breaks into a reggae jig at the finish line!


7) Michael Phelps stays at home all year long because there's no way in hell he's topping what he did in 2008!


8) LeBron James wins the NBA title with Cleveland so there could yet be a true hometown hero in basketball.


9) Somdev Devvarman (check him out!) and Sania Mirza make some waves at a Grand Slam event this year.


10) the NFL and NBA playoff systems are fixed to ensure the best teams make the playoffs! Isn't that what the postseason is supposed to be for?