Gentlemen’s game, let it be

I have nothing against the IPL. In fact, I feel it gives people an opportunity to make sport a regular family outing.

With so much chaos and pandemonium around the IPL, let me also put my own two bits into the miles of media that have emerged in the aftermath. My sympathies lie principally with the wonderful sport of cricket. And then of course, with the fabulous performers who have been completely overshadowed by all the mud-slinging.

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What has its origins in history as a gentlemen’s sport, doesn’t deserve such levels of controversy. The sooner the air is cleared, the better. I speak primarily as a fellow sportsman when I say that the sports field is a pure space and that’s how it should remain.

I have nothing against the IPL. In fact, I feel it gives people an opportunity to make sport a regular family outing. This is a huge step forward in wholesome entertainment, an alternative to cinema perhaps... which has so far been the only option. However, I do have a slight problem with its over commercialisation.

The amalgamation of sport and entertainment is good but perhaps some moderation would help. The IPL to an extent has lost that balance. To my mind, the game and the players must always be the key stakeholders in any sports event but in this case, the commercial aspect seems to be at the forefront. Perhaps its the nature of the beast.

Anyway, coming back to the game and to the real heroes, my favourite team is the Mumbai Indians. The reason is a certain Sachin Tendulkar, whom I was thrilled to meet recently at the Sports Illustrated Awards in Mumbai.I hope this season, they go all the way and come out the Champions in the League.

In the mean time, I wish all concerned peace and success in the IPL. The next few weeks will certainly be challenging between real bomb scares and other bombs in general, being dropped behind the scenes. By the looks of it, its going to get more and more rough. One can only hope that the show goes on.