With its announcement that it will be shifting the IPL outside India, the BCCI has done what a large numbers of NRIs have done – run away from the lethargy, the red tape, the politics and the corruption that is fast becoming the bane of India. What this means is that the staunchest Indian fan would have to suffice by watching the matches on Television with an ad break every 3 and half minutes while NRIs would lounge in a half empty stadiums sunbathing and drinking beer while watching the best of cricket in their own backyards. It would also mean that the cheer leaders would no longer have to worry about covering up. But apart from these trivial issues, in these times, it would also spell doom for the state cricket boards, the hotel chains, the airlines and loads of others who expected that the IPL would at least make them achieve their second quarter targets quite early. But what the heck, who cares? At least the Establishment doesn’t care.
The Establishment is worried about Politics – Congress and NCP are locking horns and this is one way of getting back at each other. The BJP ruled states gave a green light to the IPL whereas the Congress led states raised their hands, expressing inability to provide adequate security. The theory was reinforced in Maharashtra where the Congress chief minister expressed his inability while the NCP Home minister confirmed that they could provide adequate security to both events the IPL and the General Elections.
What does this tell you about India as a country? The IPL dates were announced months before the election commission announced the dates for the General elections. This could definitely have been avoided. I’m sure the EC considers major festivals like Diwali while deciding on the election dates. Could they have forgotten the IPL? Or did they think that the million dollar cricket franchises and international players wouldn’t mind re-arranging their schedules on short notice. Of course, the Elections cannot be held during any other month than April, can they?
But I’m sure, the BCCI isn’t complaining. Where it would need to spend a lot more on travel and staying arrangements, it would equally save a lot that would’ve otherwise been used in greasing palms and oiling the machinery in India.
So finally, who loses out in all this hoopla?
The Taliban is definitely happy!
The Congress is happy, And yes, so is Mithunda and the ICL.I tell my brother, Just see Navin, who gets justice in India? Raj Thackrey walks free, Varun Gandhi, Sanjay Dutt
, Shibu Soren, everyone walks free, did Jessica Lal get justice, there are scores of other high profile cases against politicians, leaders, powerful businessmen, Mayawati, Lalu Yadav, who actually gets justice in India? Just imagine the plight of a common person; If he gets bullied or beaten by a powerful goon for no fault of his, he has nowhere to turn to. Doesn’t this give rise to the mob culture? Coz. the mob thinks there is no justice for us, let’s find our own justice. The law and order situation is so corrupt and now even IPL is moving out because of this dirty politics and lethargy. Isn’t this the reason why even You and I left India?And he says “Maybe, this is the situation because you and I left India.”
I convince myself thinking, if in spite of being powerful and having loads of money at its disposal, even IPL had to leave, then I’m just another number in the crowd. And btw, my heart is in the right place, or so I think.
I remember the 2004 polls were held in April. So the EC is holding elections at the right time; it isn’t 5 years and give or take a few months. :p
About the IPL, I think it’s more a case of wanting to be ‘safe rather than sorry’ not of ‘running from the problems’. What with the recent attacks on cricketers and the hooliganism of the parties during elections there must considerable paranoia about holding it in India.
the staunchest Indian fan would have to suffice by watching the matches on Television with an ad break every 3 and half minutes while NRIs would lounge in a half empty stadiums sunbathing and drinking beer while watching the best of cricket in their own backyards.
Incredibly ironic, this.
Anyways, the IPL better be good after this and the Knight Riders better win. 😀
Great post rakesh and uncanny how you and hades ahve almost the same topic 😀
I think like Julia said its about being safe than sorry but even then the media is talking about the way the Congress ruled states are not co-operating…
I was not in favour of holding the IPL at the time of elections…because of a no.of reasons…but never thought in my wildest dreams that it’ll go out for good:((
I cant watch even one match in the stadium!how unfair is that??:(
”But most of all, the perception of India as a nation in its ability to schedule and organize successful events of such magnitude. This will definitely be judged against us whenever International sport bodies are deciding venues for events as the Olympics, Asian Games and World cups.”
this is what galled me the most too:(
your bro’s line could become a classic btw:)
It’s a shame tht the second season of the IPL cannot be held in India..a real SHAME! Evry issue has to be politicised..
And our politicians r most adept at taking digs at each other..(Chidambaram lashed out at Narendra Modi saying Gujarat communal riots were a national shame, responding to Modi’s IPL comment)
And I am really sick of all this news abt Varun Gandhi..
Most high-profile culprits walk away scot free..Thnx to Priyadarshini Mattoo, Nitish Katara and Jessica Lal- thre is still some hope 🙂
Justice delayed, but not denied!
Election time and no fund for security. All criminals in politics need security. Yaar! samjha karo. That’s how things are. First preference to politicians and every one comes after that.
Sad! that someone else will get the revenue and Indian public would lose the chance.
I was wondering about Mithun connection. Ha..ha..ha..
As for Varun Gandhi, he is finally IN the party http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?newsid=1241715
after years of sidelining
To me, the IPL part was just a blur, a filler – just like the Ramleela in Delhi-6. My eyes couldn’t move beyond the first and last couple of paras. Amazingly written, and completely capture how I feel. Specially the beginning part. I really can’t describe how high the guilt factor starts running at times.
Every time I see the filthy politics play its part in India, I cringe. I cringe not because I feel disgusted at what the politicians do, I cringe because I find myself in no situation to complain. I do not have the right to complain. It is so easy for me to sit here and point fingers at what is wrong with the country. But what have I done all this while for the betterment of the place I love more than anything in this world (obv next to my family and friends). What has been my contribution to free the country of the many evils that plague our land. Zero. Zilch. Nothing.
All that I have done is sit and think about things. All that I have been is an ‘armchair activist’. Some people say even thinking about these things is a big deal in itself. I completely differ. There is a very high threshold between thinking and doing. Unless your thoughts get transformed into concrete actions, your contribution amounts to nothing.
All this is just a confessional rant. Maybe your post was one too. I don’t know. But it sucks. And I feel terrible. 😦
About IPL I think better safe than sorry… I heard Modi saying it’s a national Shame that we can’t provide security to the players, and then P Chidambaram replied – the National Shame was Gujarat riots … I agree with P Chidambaram) but doesn’t this show wherever politicians are involved there’s trouble.
Staying away from India… don’t feel guilty, those who stay here aren’t doing anything more than you are.
i have been think of writing about this but didnt….
The IPL going out is because of ego clashes…
Lalit Modi is too snooty and wont like to be made to toe the line…
still the chances of the tournament happening in India are very much alive…
@Julia: ‘Safe than sorry’ – Too sad for a country called superpower, I guess. That’s why I said, Taliban is definitely happy.
@Hades: I thought Shahrukh was dead, wasn’t he? he he…
@Indy: What galled you the most galled me the most as well.
@Swats: Actually if either of Modi or Chidambaram cared about National Shame, none of them would’ve occurred any of those words. Sad to see Chidambaram go down the political gutter.
And Swats, I think, Justice Delayed is actually Denied!
@Solilo: Yup I read that piece about Varun becoming the star campaigner. I guess, BJP needs to lose by a heavy margin this time in order for them to understand that they can’t spread hate and win elections anymore. Maybe the mend their ways next time round because of a heavy defeat this time.
@Rebel: So you did get to the crux of the matter. It was indeed a confessional rant… Do feel the same way. But reb, seriously, I’ve now started to work towards making a difference, no matter how small it is.
@IHM: As I said to Swats above, if any of them was concerned about National Shame, neither would’ve uttered those words.
@Dhiren: Yep, ego clashes surely! I don’t think the possibility is alive. He’s already touring around the world.
There’s this SMS doing rounds these days:
“People needn’t worry about the security about IPL during elections…all the politicians will be busy then”
Well elections are really important and a lot of security sure is needed. I was hoping they’d postpone the IPL or something..but to see it being shifted is really really sad. I was hoping to catch a match this year but that’s not going to happen. I agree with Julia that better safe than sorry.
Between the Elections and the IPL, if something had to give way, it had to be the IPL. Of course, it is sad that the state admits that it cannot guarantee the safety and security of its citizens. This fact was always known to most of us. The only difference is, the Cong-NCP rivalry has made the government admit it for the first time.
Quirky Indian
I think I agree with Smriti. Elections are much more important than IPL or any other sporting event. And if IPL cannot be postponed, then the organizers should feel free to take it out of India.
Seperately, you mentioned you have started doing some stuff which is meaningful (ref your comment above). What kinds of stuff? Just would be good to know. We can take it offline if you want.
Hi Rakesh
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Touch ho gaya by gawd, last line padhkar.
Anyways, I am not pro-congress but I was all yes for IPL not happening along with the Polls. Given the fact, IPL could have been postponed but never thought it would go outside. Now, coming to postponing it, there would be several things to consider, climatic condition here post-july, players commitment to their respective boards. Now, it seems both will carry on simultaneously. A smart move. And more than any body Preity, Nita, Shilpa, SRK, Mallya and their likes will be the happiest. Sachin has already shown his disappointment. People of course are disappointed.
BCCI’s putting blame on Govt. for this decision is extremely unprofessional.
IPL is about money, so there is nothing wrong in it going the NRI way.:)
Simply loved the post man..
Your brother’s punchline is pretty heavy 🙂
@Smriti: Postponing IPL is impossible with the stuffed International tours. But the EC could’ve taken it into consideration before announcing election dates.
@QI: Of course, agree IPL has to give way if there is a question of priority. But as I said above, why not consider it before announcing Election dates?
@Reb: Sure, you can add me in yahooo, my id is on my profile page.
@Vee: Sure, postponing would have a lot of questions, ideal situation would’ve been EC could’ve announced elections beginning from 30 April. And of course, Lalit Modi’s prostitute like Nakhras are frustrating.
@Ottayan: Yeah, I think so… and I get the sarcastic jibe at me 🙂 he he
@Urv: Yeah, he’s gained weight 😛
I agree with Julia on the IPL point, I suppose they want to be safe rather than sorry.. but as far as the matches ARE happening, their venue is not a problem! =D
Sorry for misisng on some old posts..been busy !
Rakesh as usual brilliant post…the first para brings out a very poignant issue…and the words of your brother are classic…simply loved it…
About the IPL and Elections, all I would say is that I don’t see much reason why the Indian Government couldn’t promise adequate security. If Elections require all of India’s security personnel then does that mean most parts of India are vulnerable during that time? It’s just a shame…
The problem I am stuck is why is it called Indian Premier League, still 🙂
Looks more like lot of people were ready for there honeymoons 🙂
how goes it Rakesh? 😉 just came to check on ya. TC n hey hv fun!
Keshi.
couldnt have put it in better words… I hate the fact that IPL is going out of India… Well I am on your blog for the first time… you write very well…
I am following you…
@Crystal: I know, hope your exams were as good as the response on your blog…
@IJD: 🙂
@Chirag: Yeah, inspite of now two more teams dropping their captains and going for foreign players – Dravid, Laxman and maybe even Ganduly.
@Keshi: You’re back 🙂 Gr8
@Mukund: Welcome, and thanks 🙂
Congrats:-))!!!!!!
Agree with Julia Scissor & IHM…the to be safe part, coz many of the International players were talking abt backing out of it & the organisers cdnt take a chance..not when the Srilankans players got injured just weeks back.
whts the Mithunda connection??? Didnt get tht???
Ofcourse ur heart is in the right place…if urs isn't then we all have to take time out to question ourselves;-P
@Nancy: Congrats? For what???
The Mithunda connection is a link. Click on that link. In short, Mithun has bought a team in ICL – the other cricket league.
Great post mate! I was just lurking around and it seems I found gold; blog rolling you!!
Yes, IPL out of India is a loss when one considers the “born-in-India” scenario. But I do really believe in the orginality of the reason. The Pakistan terrorist incidence was a reason, right? Election is also a reason, right? I understand that giving the security rights to non-governmental institutions could have been an option but which reality based politician will take the risk if they will fail. The security of the players cannot be compromised and India cannot afford to have the reputation of having a similar Pakistan based scenario in its land especially after the Mumbai attacks. The world is watching us! As all security personnel and police would be engaged in the security of hundreds of politicians and processes, which help the electoral drama of the world’s largest democracratic election, it’s not a surprise that Chidambaram had his doubts.
Let’s rest on these thoughts, pride and look forward for a game which we so rightly originated from India.
These are just my views so keep blogging!!
Keep Blogging!!
Nice blog. Keep up the good work. Hey, by the way, do you mind taking a look at our new website http://www.indianewsupdates.com. It has various interesting sections. Who knows, it might just have the right kind of stuff that you are looking for.
Also, if you like this website, can you please recommend it to your friends. Your little help would help us in a big way.
Thank you,
The Future Mantra
hey write summin I can comment on!!.. cricket and politics are both alien subjects:/
oh and , that “available on my blog” was cool, i dint know how to track it, now i shall
Rakesh sorry to break ur bubble but elections r more imp than IPL. EC doesnt care about any domestic cricket event (btw I am a huge cricket fan). Secondly Lalit Modi was like an adiyal ghoda tht dates r carved in stones. Third Karnatake govt(BJP ruled) said can hold IPL but after elections. Guj DGP said the same thing. Both r BJP ruled states. Of course there must ve been some political vendetta considering Sharad Pawar is NCP head. But I would ve been more happy if they would ve dropped IPL together than shifting it out. But no its buisness, desh gaya tel lena.
Also I dont agree with ur NRI viewpoint. I lived in USA for around 4 years and came back last year b4 recession (left my job). Bcos life is not all about fast cars. tc
Are u kiddin when u say that EC should have considered IPL while selecting dates? Diwali and all that are national festivals but not IPL! Surely u don’t get a break from office to watch IPL. Also EC has a tough job of deciding dates considering exams and monsoon seasons. Plus, IPL is not a small event. It requires mobilization of lakhs of security personnel and with cricket teams already being targeted by terrorist groups and India about to host Commonwealth 2010, any small event will be blown out of proportion and hence would bring disgrace to India only! Also, Narendra Modi offering his help is obviously an electoral stunt.
Like other people have already mentioned – Better safe than sorry!
@Biju: Thanks. After that compliment, I believe whatever you have to say 🙂
@ISH: As u said, written about something else but doubt if you’ll find that interesting 😛 he he
@Annonymous bubblebreaker: Yes, life is not all about fast cars and I’ve been guilty of thinking that it is…
@Ankita: Yes, lets put the country on hold because we are having elections…
Hi!
Very well analyzed.
Though, I feel, the last near itself, the BCCI could’ve chalked the IPL-schedule for this year keeping in mind the elections (the timing for which’s been somewhat predictable).
But as it is, election is a huge sham. Don’t break your head over it and enjoy IPL!
BTW, considering you’ve been living outside India for quite some time, I’d like your views on my blog-post “communalism”. Do let me know if you find my ideas too extreme/impractical.
Enjoyed reading your other posts, too just that didn’t know what to comment. And yes, you write really well.
TC.