IPL and WWF

The multi-billion dollar industry that is cricket and more specifically IPL Cricket  is possibly on the verge of closure.  

We have heard of insolvencies and closures of companies and people - but not an industry. Even the oldest profession still has its patronage inspite of stringent laws to ban it.

I had decided not to write or comment on the recent umbrageous developments under the brand-name of spot-fixing but the sheer ridiculousness of a some related events makes me move out of that exceptional indifferent herd of people who are hardly affected by anything on earth.

Firstly, the media is hell-bent upon ousting the BCCI President. No personal opinion if this is a right clamor. I would believe, the best thing is to allow him to be in office and embarrass him if proven guilty. The task of proving him guilty is the challenge - i guess people don't want to take that challenge and instead believe that his ouster is a symbolic triumph. Absolutely nonsense

Secondly, to believe only three cricketers were involved in a roughly 150 strong contingent of players and an equal number of support and managerial staff is a brazen underestimation of the power of the 'fixers' - and begs the question if victimization is a policy across all walks of life. Some media reports say the international dancer-bowler was dropped consistently as there was some suspicion on his activities - whither whistle blowing policy. In any accident, it is the weakest that pays the price.

Thirdly, and somewhat more important than the ouster of BCCI President is, the spectators that watched those matches that are considered fixed should be refunded the match fees. And immediately.   Unless the IPL framework suggests IPL is just like WWF where the contests are farce, the spectator that watched the IPL match is considered hurt and cheated. Request all those people still in possession of the counterfoils of entrance-tickets to examine if there is anything in the finest print which suggests the holder of the ticket is allowed to watch an event that is a mock display of sportsmanship and tussle.

Fourthly, is there a way that we introduce a total ban on Trial by Media.  Who wants to watch those terrible and audacious questioning of a Kapil Dev or Chetan Chauhan by a suited-moderator who uses his freedom to question as a license to intimidate. I would love to name some of the comedians here but i wouldn't commit an impropriety that is a preserve of those moderators.

Finally, on the issue of betting. The model and template that should be considered while taking a decision on whether betting should be legalized or not is the one on Prohibition - it has never been possible to abolish drinking by imposing Prohibition. It has only enabled forced dis-sale of liquor.  What is important - preventing the vice called drinking or the banning the commercial malaise called liquor-sale.

The wise man has been away for some time now - he will be back soon. So this blogspace will see more literature :)