“We could have had both the general elections and IPL matches together.

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Requesting anonymity, a former captain of the Indian cricket team told TSI, “We could have had both the general elections and IPL matches together. But in our country, politics rules and all other things become secondary. I know the elections are of utmost importance. I am convinced that both could have been held together, with a little bit of juggling around in the IPL schedules. And had this happened, we would have given out a clear message to the world that India is not Pakistan or Afghanistan; that it is a safe country. But now, as far as public perception goes, India is no different from Pakistan so far as internal security is concerned.” Is Mr Chidamabaram listening?

If things keep moving like this, is it not possible that, should polling dates in future general elections coincide with national festivals like Diwali or Ramzan or Christmas, the government will cite security concerns as the reason for calling them off? The Central government could argue thus: “Our security concerns force us to ask you to please not celebrate this particular festival this year.” It is widely held that cricket is not just a game for Indians; it is a religion, and among the most binding and unifying of all. But now we are shamed to our feet. If we can’t play cricket in India without fear, then what sort of security guarantee can we offer our countrymen?

Also, is it not sad that before finally deciding to shift IPL-2009 from India, the BCCI did not even bother to contact the Indian team members who were getting ready for the second Test against New Zealand in Napier? Said an iconic IPL player who is part of the Indian squad in New Zealand – once again on condition of anonymity: “To be frank, no one is interested in playing IPL matches overseas. Playing in front of the home crowd is a great deal more comforting. But now we have run out of other options. We are bound by our contracts, and must respond like robots to whatever the IPL wants.” Indeed it is not only Indians who feel let down. Just ask Andrew Flintoff how he feels, and he will tell you how very disappointed he is by this move.

“Moving IPL to South Africa is one of the hardest decisions taken by the BCCI,” says Commissioner and President of IPL Lalit Modi. But on ground it doesn’t look like that. On March 24, before Lalit Modi and CSA chief Gerald Majola held their official press conference in Johannesburg, an official e-mail from the BCCI reached journalists. That became breaking news. This incident happened exactly seven minutes before the official confirmation of South Africa as the IPL-2009 venue at a press conference. That only means that the entire game is managed professionally.

When finally the balance sheet of the IPL-2009 tamasha is pulled out, we will know who the real losers and winners are. Only, one thing seems clear. Whatever else may happen, the IPL governing body is not going to be among the former. They will mint money. Their income may dip somewhat, but the franchise owners, official telecasters, advertisers, players and the host country will get their individual shares. The real ‘Indian Playing XI’ will also enjoy South Africa’s balmy clime. The sole loser will be India’s cricket lovers: The hardcore fan of Kolkata Knight Riders who dreamt of cheering his Dada at Eden Gardens; the amchi Mumbai youth from Bandra who will now not get to hail his ‘Tendlya’; the amma from Chennai whose hero is captain Dhoni – they will all, like the 3.5 million Indian spectators who were dying to get inside the stadium to watch the 59 IPL matches, disconsolate. The only laughing faces belong to those greedy busybodies whom we allow to run the nation’s affairs!

For more articles, Click on IIPM Article.
Source : IIPM Editorial, 2008
An Initiative of IIPM, Malay Chaudhuri and Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist).

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