Even as I get set to pour my critical thoughts about the IPL matches, I hear a passionate crowd at Mumbai Cricket stadium supporting and cheering their favorites, like it is a Freedom Fight Movement, from the TV in the adjacent room.
What surprises me the most is the fact that people still do follow IPL even after getting to know the inside story. Its all about one genius trying to hit a jackpot by taking advantage of a long-standing passion of a majority of Indians. Though Lalit Modi's experiment with cricket was welcomed by Indians and by people across the world with open arms, it has failed to hold on to its credibility. Not only has it spoilt the true spirit of the game but also proven be more famous for being commercial. Well its more of a business than a game. Somehow, I prefer to refer to it as 'IPL' than 'Cricket'.
Ever since its inception every business tycoon has tried a hand at the IPL franchisee. The multiplexes are no exception to this, with more and more of them coming forward to show IPL matches (not to mention, there are also people who prefer big screens to empty their big pockets). This speaks a lot about how everyone in the business is trying to make money. As rightly said by a politician in a recent parliament discussion, IPL is a channel to legalize the black money that is stored in the swiss bank (look who is talking! Well, dont forget, only a cheat can recognize another cheat in the Game ;))
Glamor, easy money (in crores, mind you), bookies, match fixing, controversy - these are a few words that aptly describe the game. Oh! how could I forget 'Cheer leaders' (though I should admit that they are pretty and have great bod. If not the players the audience is definitely cheered up even if it's favorite team loses).
It's a pity that the world's best players are falling prey to it. There is such a huge loss of self-dignity that they no more have problems with being auctioned ( Just for a fact - Our dogs and cows are sold more respectfully). India, once known for its cricket lovers, will soon be known for Cricket controversies. Lets hope Kochi team is spared all the controversies. Lets leave the place to its coconut heritage, oops sorry cultural heritage and oil massages. :)
Well, dont miss the inside story about the controversy here. Be a sport, sit back and enjoy how the controversy unfolds. After all why should the players only have all the fun? ;)
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