ICL or No ICL?

Well....well....well..

This irrelevant battle now is getting more interesting. With the Delhi high court passing its judgment on the matter of companies firing their employees (read players) who join ICL. It is heartening to note that the Judiciary has seen the matter in a different light. For a cricket crazy nation that is united by this single sport, it is invaluable that talent be given opportunity to shine and show itself to the world. This is not happening today. You either need a godfather or lots of money to even get a bench seat in a Ranji Team today.

The format of ICL is not unique, neither is it path breaking. New to India, it may be but is common and a proven successful formula in all competitive sports like Soccer and Hockey. A competitive league will give tremendous opportunity to young stars budding across the horizon. Why did the Indian Hockey Federation not take similar action when the Premier Hockey League (PHL)was formed? BCCI is scared for many reasons. My list of what they could be:

1. Obviously, number one is that their monopoly on this Game of cricket in India will go. With it will go the Sponsorship and other lucrative contracts.

2. The wayward and high-handed ways of BCCI will be out in the open. With players now having an option, will open up and come forward and share information on anything wrong.

3. The corruption and sycophancy will have to go. No more boxes or cartons of "sweets" will be delivered.

It is high time that the Parliament steps in and forms a central regulatory authority for promotion of Cricket in India. This body will also be empowered to select and form the "National Team" and not "BCCI's Team" as submitted by them to the honourable Supreme Court of India recently. BCCI can either choose to become a part of this body and share its expertise with the Central body or it can choose to compete with ICL and any other league that comes in the future for good quality players and viewer's eyeballs.

I am glad that players of the stature of Lara, Inzamam and Klusener have joined the ICL and am looking forward to seeing them in action.

Let the fireworks begin....

My First Post

This is my first post on this blog. This blog, as elucidated in the introductory elements, will focus on issues and events of global nature that are close to my heart. I will attempt to highlight and share my views and thoughts on these matters.