Dharmendra Satapathy

Sunday, March 22, 2009

IPL Saga


So IPL 2 will be held in South Africa.


Just imagine an Indian league that cannot be hosted in India. Can it get more shameful?

This is yet another example of how our country is a land of contrasts. While we have the the ability to create a product which has been an instant hit across market segments, we do not have the infrastructure to run it. Infrastructure does not mean stadium and hotels etc. Security is perhaps the basic infrastructure that anyone would expect. It should have been the right of IPL to demand security. If the government cannot do so then what are they doing? It is their business to protect all citizens and if they cannot do so, it only goes to show that they do not mean business whatsoever.

It is not a matter of pride that the wishes of our home minister have eventually prevailed. He has just proved his ineffectiveness and vulnerability. I wonder whether we are safe going for a movie or visiting any public place. I wonder whether are government has the confidence to provide security to our airports, stations, industries etc. Where can we take them? Not to South Africa I am sure.


It is true that elections were clashing with the games. So what? Are we so vulnerable that we cannot hold two simultaneous events. And our government is standing by this as if it were a matter of fact. If the home minister cannot provide enough security for both the events, it is nothing but a reflection of the sad state of affairs. It does not augur well for the Home Minister or his party. It is akin to shunning one's responsibilities. For now he can relax since the security of the IPL has been transferred to the South African government. Imagine, the South African government will provide security to the Indian Premier League. Not just and Indian league but a "Premier" league. But does our Home Minister care. He must be a much relieved man for had a single incident occurred during the games, he would have lost face and his party's performance would have dwindled.


It is indeed shameful and a sad day for Indian cricket. I hope a time does not come when we are told to go and live in another country to feel secured. While comparing ourselves with crime infested Africa, Indians prided about the security back home. How ironical we are taking shelter there!


The IPL organizers did their best in my opinion and came up with several options to salvage Indian pride. But the government was determined like never before. Wish this determination was to be witnessed during the days following 27/11. What flummoxes me is that if the Home Ministry had no mettle then what was all the farce about. Why were they beating about the bush for so long. They should have just made it clear from day one.


IPL 1 was an instant hit. People missed the games for several days after its exit. It is indeed unfortunate that IPL 2 was sacrificed on the altar.


IPL moving away is the best thing the organizers could do when up against an inept government. I just hope the sacrifice made by IPL will help in ensuring that the general elections are held in safe and secured conditions. I hope no untoward incident takes place. Otherwise I wonder where they will the government go to hide its face. Perhaps to South Africa.


However, one clear advantage in South Africa will be for the cheer leaders. They will be able to give an unrestrained performance. At least we won't have to deal with the reprehensible moral police brigade of India. Instead of saving Indian culture, wish they could protect us against terrorists.