Never have I seen the news channels covering any sport including cricket as part of their main story so much so often. But, that’s the reality with so much of story starting with Woolmers death, then the exit of India from the World cup and now the blame game. Zee sprang a surprise yesterday by announcing a parallel cricket league with an initial corpus of Rs. 100 crores site aside.
It’s a master stroke by Zee, which if works to its plan will not only put the Ranji and Duleep trophy’s to shade but also will keep the players on the tenterhooks as the “Headline Value” of this parallel league will keep the heat on. There are a lot of hindrances on the way though - starting with BCCI not approving the league and not providing any of the grounds in the country and also asking the players not to be part of it. Moreover, to get international players the individual boards as well as the ICC may have to give permission. With the clout BCCI has in the ICC, BCCI can veto any decision made by the ICC.
But, BCCI should take this sportingly and I think with the country’s emotion against the system and the players, it should be open to allow such private initiatives to help the game. There is news that Lara, Slater, Langer, Warne & McGrath have been approached to be part of the team. It makes sense as most of them have retired (or retiring) from one day cricket and they can well participate in this league. It will also help in the branding and viewership of the league.
There are a lot of good players in the state teams who have been overlooked by the selection committee and will never get a chance to play for India. I hope that this new league will help them get to the headlines and also make some money in the process.
While Subash Chandra’s motive may be purely business - he can get back the Rs. 100 crores by claiming exclusive TV rights of the tournament - the idea is good and we must all support it. What say you?
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