High time for BCCI to be nationalized

Perhaps the Zee Television tussle with BCCI did not raise enough furore for the latter to be considered an instrumentality of the State, but the recent tour of Australia by the Indian cricket team, I believe is reason sufficient enough to nationalize BCCI.

The present controversy in Australia as regards the level of fair-play being tendered to the Indian players on and off the field and giving them all reasons not to concentrate on their cricket is reason sufficient enough to hurt the self-respect of every Indian who takes pride in his country and follows cricket. But then the way BCCI has handled it, first suspending the tour and then calling on a decision allowing the tour to progress clearly shows how far financial interests dictate its decisions rather than national pride of the country of more than one billion. Had it been a nationally handled affair, I am of no doubt that the Indian team would have already landed back in India, cutting short of the Australians sledging attempt against them, for which I really admire to have perfected the art which they are rightly deserving, capable and worthy holders, as far as cricketing ties are concerned and no test playing nations can vouchsafe against the fact.

Day in and out we have articles and posts from all corners of India and at all random forums as possible, telling how far they have been hurt and taken aback by the way things are happening and the way the are being handled but then the Chief Executive (another Australian) lands a dictate that its not a win for India but of cricket that Harbhajan has been allowed to play pending the decision of his appeal. Forget the appeal I say, what happens to the lost test match. Is there any decision of replay? Why did the test match where Pakistan walked out of against England awarded to England at the decision of Hair (another Australian) and even when later Hair was found to be wrong, no attempt made to either consider the test canceled or look for a replay later on? Well, is it cricketing spirit we are talking of (which they say proudly is a Gentleman's game) or just in direct terms of the race of the players involved. Why does an Australian get away with calling a South African player a terrorist and he is not a racist and whereas if you fight back against the racist abuses coming to you, you are violating the spirit of the game?

Why does it start from one way and always end that way itself, why not equality. When every nationalist's pride is hurt and BCCI calls to suspend the tour because of reasons of their self-respect, why does another Australian have to say that BCCI is showing its financial might? Why does Ponting has to be jumping around Harbhajan when he gets out cheaply to him and instead Harbhajan scores more runs than him? I think the answer is obvious. They simply cant win the game fair and even. They tasted the Indian might on the last tour itself. But when it came to win, they adopted these unfair (in fact the usual) tactics of hitting all the ungentlemanly pitches.

But in the end, if we allow the tour to go, its like telling the world that we can take action but we don't because we play by the rules even when the other team hasn't even heard what rules mean. This is a serious lapse and blunder we will commit. Enough is enough. The matter is highly a matter of national pride and unless it is dealt by a national agency, I simply will lose faith in the integrity with which the team would play.The matters at this such a high international standing, and that too in a game which even the Supreme Court acknowledges is public interest in India, that its high time that BCCI is nationalized and tough decisions taken rather than matter looked only from a financial perspective. I hope the ears at the top are listening and take a time off to analyze the situation.

Dada on the run ...

With his first double century coming on his home-ground after a decade since he made his debut on English soil in 1996, Dada has always been a hope against hope for the Indian Cricket team as well as himself. Rediff recently came out with a compilation of the stats and figures of his performances [click here for the stats] but then they don't do justice to him altogether.

During the days of his captaincy, he may no doubt have played lesser than his average but then he compensated it with his above-board tactics and the sheer aggression which he showed on an off the field. I still remember the way in which he removed his shirt after we one the series in England chasing a world-record (then) 325. It was an apt reply for Flintoff's stunt when England won the one-dayer in India. It in fact posted India's entry into the domination league, something which India had always lacked despite talent.

I have never been a die-hard Dada fan as they say, but then I really admire his courage and determination which he showed to regain his place in the team and start performing again. It really requires a lot of will-power to play against the odds of a billion-nation but he did it and did it with elegance and his bat.

It really feels good to be a part of this country with such spirit ingrained in the soil itself that every man is capable of doing wonders. Oh man, I live this country and its people. ...

Tour Down Under: Many on for the last time?

1996, Lords Cricket ground, India on tour to England. Couldn't have been a better start for India. Three promising talents were discovered. Dravid, Kumble and Ganguly. Each left a mark on the selectors and the country and have been serving the national cricket team since. In and out of the teams, all three, regular cusses and cheering from the spectators, a separate cult in themselves and now each of them have been the captain of the national team, a sure shot reward of their performances and merit. Enter another player (Tendulkar, who else) and they form the bulk of the team.

Both in terms of experience and skills, they dominate any and all forms of the game. But then age is a spoil sport. We hate to admit but we got to admit that cricket like any other game, requires agility and endeavour. Experience and ability to take things cool does count and is necessary but is not the sole criteria which can take you through the entire series unbridled.

I am expecting, though not desirous, that a few of the older pals of the Indian team will call this their last tour down under. I think this could have been sensed earlier as well, when they did the same for the fast-and-furious-20-20. It was really a wise and a well-thought decision that these seniors opted out of the T-20 version. No doubt a big loss in terms of the talent but then another opportunity for the young blood to show their worth and also for the world to find that India is not just a big-trio or a powerful-four or whatever. India is a country where surviving another day is no less than a war and so those who come out of it are really those who deserve it. And the young blood did exactly that. They just simply won the World Cup. Nothing less, and nothing more left to achieve.

I have always being a critic of the way in which BCCI has operated, whether be in terms of the allegations of corruption or power-play in its elections or even the manner of their organization of the national level cricketing events, but it has done real good for India by finding talent from every nook and corner of the country to show his merit and skill and contribute for the country on a whole.

It would be a huge loss for the country, bared substitutable but then time waits for none. So instead of being unhappy of this tour being the last for some, I will take this opportunity of watching the game's best giving their best. Way to go seniors ...

A disappointing ICL

Foreign players, Foreign umpires and even Foreign cheer leaders. Still the name, Indian Cricket League. Bad pitches, poor infrastructural arrangements, unworthy team names. Really hats off to arrangement. In my earlier post I had been really optimistic that this venture would turn out to more excitement in cricket in India then ever before but I was disappointed to see the real show.

Seriously, with the huge revenue the organizers are earning, things would have been much better if some part of it was spend on ensuring that the level of cricket rose than just minting money alone. The competition factor with the rival BCCI league probably also led to the dismal performance which was prompted by an early and half-hearted start. No doubt there have been celebrities and high-profiled spectators coming in to watch the match but the game of cricket is not the right place to enjoy their presence. They could rightly have been left out of the arena and better stadiums, lightening, etc. provided for instead. The seating arrangement for the in-field spectators could have been improved as well.

What is the point of selling this half-baked cake? Is it the fear on the part of the promoters of ICL that they might not be able to capture the heart of Indian audience when the BCCI league starts its own version? Or is this the best ICL could do? I probably do not agree with either of the reasons for they are lame excuses, because of which the excitement which 20-20 version of this game offers, is suffering on all counts. I think a test match would offer more excitement and entertainment than this. Really, its all a matter of quality, something which had a glaring lack in this series. Hope the things improve with time.

Cricket down under, sledging wars up ahead

First test on Boxing Day marks the start of another promising series up ahead Down-under. With the Kangaroos committed to equal the scores of their last visit two months back on Indian turf, the Indian tigers would be looking for carrying where they left in the last tour in 2004 where they drawed the test series but were looking good for a win. With the Little-master showing back that he has another full life of cricket left in him (so stop thinking about his retirement), the Prince of Kolkata emerging as the Man of the Series in the recently concluded Test series against Pakistan, Sehwag getting a chance (incidentally though because Gambhir was down with injury) and looking forward to encash it fully, Zaffar in fine tone with a good test series, Dohni roaring as usual, Yuvi looking to make the most of the test series and boy-o-boy, the man the who likes playing and hitting against Australia, the man with two Vs, Mr. Lakman, the Indian batting line up looks solid and better as ever. Then we have a promising and responsible capital who would be spearheading the spin department himself.

But then the Aussies are playing on their home soil. Though it doesn't make any difference as they like winning anywhere, but then the home advantage would be there. Even though Symonds has publicly asked to forget the 'monkey incident', the taunts and sledging would surely add colour to the game. Really you cannot separate cricket, Australia and sledging. Looks like made for each other type. A typical fixture in every series against Australia, and as they put it, a test of character. But then its a part of the game and you gotta face it in order to play the game. Can't run from it or deny its existence. After all, its only when the going gets tough that the tough gets going; the cream rises and men are separated from the boys.

And as always one could predict, the series start with a test on Boxing day. Sometimes makes me wonder whether Aussies ever celebrate Christmas with ease or have a net practice on that day also !!! But then you got to learn from them the true meaning of professionalism and competitive playing. Starting with a well designed strategy, doing thorough research before the start of the game, making an exhaustive analysis after it ends, rigorous training, disciplined performance and what not. They have really raised the game to a new unknown league of character-requiring-professional series. But then it also gives an opportunities for the other teams to improve their mindsets and performances. After all, "you can only improve by playing a better opponent", as a lead character finds out the hard way in Revolver.

Looking forward to an exciting series up ahead. All the best India. ...

Fooseball et. al.

I am not really a pro at Fooseball but thought I would better write one on this, having been so involved with this game now and liking it like ever. I find it more of a mental game, requiring to build pressure on the opponent through action and strategy (anyone seen the '100 girls'). And ofcourse physical skills are the key. Requiring heavy wrist-work, good hand-eye coordination, and a cool temperament, it is really fascinating playing this game.

I didn't knew long before that there were more than one versions of the game. I thought the 2-player a side was the only one. But then I discovered that there is even an 11-a side version. I find it hard to score in 2-a-side, 11-a-side is simply, wow!!! In fact a friend of mine even said, are they really able to score in this 11-a-side one???

But what I like more about it is that is a small and simple indoor game that doesn't require much to learn the game, except for a keep interest though. I never thought I could play it well with just three weeks in it but then, I really like playing it, something like a daily-chore kind of stuff. [ :) ]

Keep going guys, have a good time at Fooseball !!!

Cricketing Leagues in India: Excitement growing up...

cricket, more cricket, even more cricket and fast cricket. oh boy, oh boy, oh boy. The heart and soul of almost every Indian, cricket is one game which unites India from North to South, East to West. The game is played with such high stakes (well, emotional, financial, reputational and what not) that the outcome of almost every match (yes ofcourse only when India is playing) affects the entire nation. It might not be impacting stock-exchange very much, but it does have a huge role to play on the mental pshcye of Indians.

Even the Supreme Court of India has come to hold that broadcasting of a cricket match in India, where India is playing, is of public interest and has allowed the government to make serious inroads in private and intellectual property rights of the broadcasters (remember the 'Ten Sports' decision not to share feed with DD and the decision of the Government to force to Ten Sports to share the feed and then the legal drama that followed, which ended up at the residence of the Chief Justice of India with him doing the final mediating and coming with a solution???) . Well so much for the emotions and drama and bla bla bla...

Karry Packer's colourful vision of the game is about to graduate into another advanced and faster version of the game. With the T-20 cricket already having impressed the spectators and fans the world over and make them reconsider their fanship over the 50 over and 5 day version of the game, the battle of the rival cricket leagues in India will be watched with hightened curiosity all over the world, with other national cricket boards awaiting to take a strategic decision to launch similar versions of the game in their national game curriculums.

And what do we have at stakes in this battle? Perhaps huge economic and financial stakes? Or even emotional and reputational stakes? Or both??? With the authority of the cricket's richest and supposedely the most powerful national board having been challenged but a national company, entering into cricket arena for the first time but with new ideas, it would indeed be a nice treat to watch as to where the experience of BCCI carries them to this time in making the game interesting, and ofcourse how could be forget that, making more money...

The rival leagues have given out some of their game plans but the world is full of surprises and none of them could be said to have embattled each other until we all witness the actual leagues themselves. It would really be a challenge for the not only the boards, but also the players (most of whom are finding a second opportunity to prove themselves at the game, or continuing from where they retired), who would all be under extreme pressure, which originates from the tough circumstances the game would be played in, the limited overs league (which is like do-or-face-kicked-out every moment) and also the huge skates they would be playing for an against, given the fact that teams can be bought and sold in this form of the game.

Though the success of this version would depend on the level of excitement and participation that they can generate, it is for sure that these new versions are seriouslly putting to challange the legitimacy of the 50 over and 5-day version of the game, with fans now being interested in quick games and early (with having little time to spare these days) rather than having to follow up and be kept waiting for and entire day or even a week to know their outcomes.

Hope it all ends in making cricket even closer to the soul... :)