Indian Cricket: The Show Must Go On

Dateline New Delhi, December 27, 2009. Firozshah Kotla Ground. Venue for the 5th One Day International (ODI) cricket match between India and Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka was put in to bat first.

The first ball from Zaheer Khan claimed a wicket with the ball whistling through to dislodge the bails. After that the ball had been rising from good length spot, the ball had been skidding and the ball had been hitting the batsmen most of the time. It was becoming ominous for the Sri Lankans and no captain of modern day cricket could risk getting his players injured due to the ever heavy schedule of international matches.

So, finally after 23 overs Sri Lanka skipper walked into the field and reported the matter to the umpires. The match referee was called in. Indian skipper joined in too. Deliberations went on for a long time. And, the match was abandoned as the conclusion was arrived at that the pitch was under prepared and dangerous for a good game of cricket.

To the horror of the forty thousand eager crowd in the stadium. To the horror of cricket lovers from all over the globe. To the horror of officials of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA).

Such an eventuality in the national capital of cricket crazy India was just out of the blue. The disappointed crowd started howling and nearly went on a rampage. The DDCA promptly announced refund of all ticket money. The BCCI promptly disbanded its pitch committee. The DDCA officials started submitting resignation letters. The media, cricket experts and all cricket lovers lampooned the BCCI officials calling it a national shame. The international media too took up the cudgels against the richest cricket Board of the world.

Strict action from the International Cricket Council (ICC) was anticipated leading to possible loss of World Cup 2011 games for Delhi.

The outrage continued. At the general meeting of the DDCA the officials argued and fought openly. One ex cricketer who was an office bearer came crying to the media alleging manhandling.

The inherent dilemmas of Indian cricket came to the fore cricket being no longer just a game. Cricket had become an entertainment industry with huge financial stakes. One day shows with fifty overs each and three hour shows with twenty overs each. The shows needed dramatic moments. So, dry pitches became a must for guaranteeing maximum hits to the and over the fence. Bowlers were reduced to just shot providers. But, there were other issues too.

Team India needed to win so that the coffers remained jingling. As long as Team India won consistently the hysterical crowds ensured that. To make them win some pitches needed to be doctored to suit the home team.

Then, test cricket must also be squeezed to yield maximum returns. Dry pitches would kill it. Some pitches became a necessity that ensured results and results in favor of the home team. So many Indian captains complained due to presence of grass on the pitch or some other elements that did not suit the home team and so many international captains complained too for contrary reasons.

Pitch committees and curators were always under a cross current of pressure and cricket bodies had to know it well. Passing on the buck or the blame game was just a display of obvious tactics.

The president of DDCA capped up the dilemma illustratively to a persisting TV channel. 'It was a difficult pitch no doubt, but not unplayable. If it was so how Sri Lanka managed to play out 23 overs! The game should have continued.' Some cynical cricket jingoists joined in announcing that Sri Lanka was facing defeat and so they complained.

India has a population of over a billion and almost all of them are either cricket lovers or revelers. There is a huge middle class segment with up market tendencies. They have the money and they demand money's worth. What better entertainment industry you need than cricket to rake it in which is there all the time potent bursting overwhelming and vibrating.

Come what may. The Show must go on.