Hi All,
During the past two weeks, we have seen so much controversy involving cricket, politicians and business houses that it promises to thrill no less than a typical Bollywood film. We have encountered controversies in the past [we live in India!] but this one seems to be a lethal mix of money, politics and patronage.
The IPL’s fall from grace surprised many. [To be frank, I am still a little perplexed] After all, this was touted as India’s answer to other major global events like the EPL and the UEFA Champions League. Some even brazenly equated IPL’s introduction to India finally arriving on the global stage and claiming its rightful place in the comity of nations. With a dynamic commissioner, cash rich franchisees, raving media and crazy fans who were waiting to lap up everything that was thrown at them, the IPL had everything going for it. But it was not to be. Not when you have somebody from the inside who decides to blow the whistle and bring down some really powerful people along with his imminent exit.
As the puzzle untangles, we are led into a world of murky business dealings, proxy owners and shell companies. What is even more shocking is the global angle to all this mess. The IPL truly seems to have taken globalization to a whole new level. Suddenly we have Mauritian companies trading with Singaporean ones for media and distributor rights for IPL. So much for countries that don’t even have a significant cricketing viewership or for that matter a significant population to start with!
Now leaving all the politics aside, I am starting to wonder what’s coming the game’s way. With so much negative publicity, IPL’s image has surely taken a beating. What’s next for the IPL, the teams who have invested millions and the players hoping to rake in some money before they retire and the fans who have shown so much love and affection for their favourite teams?
