IPL: The Indian Picnic League?

Watching the recently launched Indian Premiere League, I felt it lacked something, but I couldn’t figure out what it was. Then I realized that, it was that much-needed feeling of patriotism that was missing.

It is not that I have an aversion for this shortest version of the game. I had thoroughly enjoyed the recently-concluded T20 tournament, which India won. But, in the case of IPL, I feel that sense of supporting one nation is really missing. It is like you watching some domestic cricket series though star-participation and money differentiate IPL from any comparison.

But, what is there for the spectator in IPL?

OK, he can watch a big-hit game in two hours and sit mesmerized by those sixes and boundaries. But, what else?

Does, big stars and industrialists splurging on these teams and stars bring the spectator any kind of excitement?

No.

I live in Bangalore, but it never occurred to me that I should be supporting that team while watching the inaugural match of the tournament.

Would I feel like supporting Mumbai, just because Sachin is playing in the team? Would I root for the Chennai team, inspired by the presence of Dhoni in it? I am not sure, probably No.

I would call IPL as Indian Picnic League, it is like a picnic for the players and also the spectators. Just a time pass. It is and will always be handicapped by that true spirit of watching an international cricket game involving your country.

So, all these factors fail to bring in that excitement of supporting our nation in an international game. And, I think, the success of any sports depends on that sheer feeling of OUR COUNTRY.

I don’t know how many of us seriously followed the fortunes of the IPL rebel league Indian Cricket League, sponsored by Zee. Would IPL follow the sad example of ICL? Would the theory of ‘stars drive the game’ really hold its ground? Let’s wait and see.

And one word on our media coverage on IPL. The media is been firing all cylinders to hype up this series. The print space devoted reminds you of the kind of coverage Olympics get!

It is as if giving the same importance to Republic Day and a Shah Rukh Khan movie release!