Shoaib welcome in IPL after all

Mandarins of the Indian Premier League would be patting themselves on their backs and smiling proudly after managing a coup in ensuring the participation of maverick Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar.

Banned by his cricket board but allowed to play in the IPL, Indian officials desisted from welcoming the problem child of Pakistan cricket with open arms as long as the ban was in place. But a synchronized endeavour saw them get the verdict suspended for a month, just the time needed to ensure his participation in the IPL. What was it if not pressure from their big neighbours that forced the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to relent? For, a cricket body so bent on banishing such a big star even in the face of an exodus to the Indian Cricket League could not have turned benevolent all of a sudden.

But the question is, is Akhtar so important for sustaining interest in the 44-day tourney, the attention for which is bound to plateau in mid-period? The departure of the Aussies and Kiwis who made the plot interesting in an event that is hoping to entrench itself in the minds of fans and in the international cricket calendar, was no doubt, a reason. But then again, is it really worth the risk?

What if Shoaib Akhtar, who has faced charges on just about every count during his decade long international career, was to be involved in some controversy in India? Indian officials will have to be prepared to turn a blind eye and a deaf ear and then hope that the situation is not blown up, especially at this juncture. Akhtar in full flow is no doubt a crowd puller but the fear of this initiative coming to a naught will remain.

As it is, officials have seen more than their bit of discomfiture, nothing more bad advertisement than Harbhajan’s slap to Sreesanth. The exchange of barbs by Warne and Ganguly were another blot on the ‘spirit of cricket’ that IPL officials went to town with, and as it is there have been other embarrassments like lights failures, bad pitches, cheerleaders’ and fireworks controversies and also the absence of some top players.

The worst part so far though is that the IPL has not cared for its fans, those very people who create the frenzy associated with the game in the country. There are three main ways in which people follow games, but it is very sad to see that the experience has not been a pleasure for any of them.

It has been an ordeal for many at the venues, where drinking water has been scarce and toilet facilities poor. For those watching the game on television, the telecast has been shoddy and the commentary poor. As for those logging on to the internet, the official site has been a big disappointment while others have been handicapped to give an advantage to the company with digital rights.

The IPL has done well in the business of cricket thus far, which is capitalizing on the craze for the game in the country. But administrators have to look beyond just revenue when it comes to the game. Did someone say that the BCCI is not a profit making body?