IPL and fixing - A gross loss of face for Indian cricket

There is one burning issue that has not changed during the 6 seasons of IPL, ever since its inception. You might think it is related to growth or popularity, or newcomers or revenue. Yes, all these have been there, but only to some extent. The correct answer is controversy. Commercialization has become the major priority for all parties, instead of growth of the sport. From the very beginning, people had a doubt in their mind as to whether the IPL will be a successful venture or not. Some thought its fate would be like the ICL!

The ICL started with a big bang and much hype, but did not pick up for various reasons, including the wishes of the powerful BCCI. Players who participated in the event were debarred from playing for India. Such uncontrolled power in the hands of BCCI proved alarming.

Another main reason for the closure of ICL was that Kapil Dev was not able to draw the financial support on a big scale from the corporate world or from celebrities. After all, money is the backbone and foundation of success or failure of any event.

Cricket has a fanatic following in India – whether organized on a commercial level or even charitable matches. But it has also drawn criticism alike since ages. Mr. Dalmiya, for example, well-known for portraying modernization and advancement of overall cricket in the country, soon became the target of the media. He was also accused of gaining financial benefits, though he was able to popularize cricket among the masses and put a commercial interest in it. This proves that transparency is the key word!

Also, in the beginning, people had doubts as to whether the newly introduced system of bidding will prove to be fruitful or not. So much so that people had started saying that this is India and not European football, where large fees are paid to the stars of the game for a contract or for transfers. Even the new experiment of foreign players playing for an Indian team was not totally acceptable. Also, the management of IPL had to put a touch of glamour by introducing cheerleaders, which is a new concept in India but is still interest worthy to many.

To make things spicier, following the pattern of international events, innovative ideas such as wiring up the players, strategic time-outs and awarding of caps were introduced to make the tournament more thrilling and attractive. All these have enhanced the popularity of IPL to an extent, but recent controversies have again placed a big question mark over it.

Owing to recent sad developments in cricket, the following apprehensions keep popping up in the minds of many cricket fans:

1. Hefty pay cheques – Easy money is impacting the performances of players. Visibly, the consistency in performances of new players has been missing.

2. Ownership by Bollywood celebrities/politicians shifts the fans’ focus from star players to stars of silver screen. So called tainted owners have also led to a negative opinion being formed about cricket.

3. The expectations of young fans have risen so high that they just want to see the players delivering as per their wishes every time, which is impossible. Sometimes, under this pressure players make mistakes, resulting in the loss of wickets or giving away more runs – thus losing their rhythm.

4. Sometimes, all this non-performance puts pressure on the not so successful youngsters and they opt for quick money and fall under the trap of fixers.

5. The lack of willpower and an effective mechanism for keeping an eye on players’ activity is perhaps the biggest failure on the part of management of IPL and this has proved disastrous.

6. Late night parties after IPL games have also distracted the players from sharpening their cricketing skills, and rather the focus has been on enjoyment and fun factor. For example, two Pune cricketers were accused in a drugs case.

Today’s players have become more and more impulsive, taking rash decisions such as indulging in fixing or taking drugs, which is totally against this sport, known for its gentlemenship.

Spot-fixing puts the big question mark over the management of IPL and it will be in the urgency and effectiveness of the steps taken which can pull cricket out of this mud. Otherwise the loser will be the sport, the players, fans, BCCI and most importantly, the credibility of the system and the nation as a whole.