Remember the pesky little kid who used to own a cricket bat, play his innings with it, and then make some excuse and go back home, as soon as he got dismissed? It would leave the others high and dry, having to share a bat between two batsmen, or worse still, having to stop the game. Well the same thing seems to be happening in the international game at the moment! India rule the roost, both money-wise and by their recent performances, leaving aside the tour of England. They have the most successful T20 domestic tournament in the world, which to be honest, isn't really a domestic one. They also own the rights of the Champions League T20. First of all, how can you call it a Champions League, if all the Champions are not allowed direct qualification. As it is, there are only 7 countries allowed to participate, and even then the champion teams from only 4 of them are given direct qualification. At the same time, 3 Indian teams get to play, and a fourth gets to play the qualifiers. Also, how can a single country have the rights to a so-called World event? Imagine the UEFA Champion's League being owned by the Premier League or the La Liga! Sounds absurd, doesn't it? This brings up a very unsettling question, is it all about the money? The fact remains that a tournament would draw in big crowds only if Indian teams participate. So, judging by the scenario, it seems the answer to the question is a 'yes'.
Another point to note is that the foreign teams don't get to bring their own sponsors. They have to avail sponsors from here. This is again another ploy to rake in the cash for local businesses. Even though all the sponsors might not be Indian companies, but it is their Indian franchises who are profiting.
Then there is the bending of rules to favour the Indian teams. Chris Gayle was a replacement for Dirk Nannes in Royal Challengers side. Now, the organisers have allowed them both to play for RCB at the same time! No one seems to have noticed. Even if they have, it hasn't been brought to the forefront. Also Mumbai Indians have been allowed to field 5 foreign players because of injuries to their Indian players. How is that fair to the other teams, who have to juggle their overseas recruits in every match? This however has seen protests from the other teams. No changes have been made o the ruling yet though.
It seems at the moment that the richest sporting body in the world can get away with anything. Their power seems almost tyrannical! But, it must be remembered that every tyrant eventually falls at the hands of the same people who they dominate. They need to change this attitude, or risk alienating themselves from the rest of the Cricket world.
Another point to note is that the foreign teams don't get to bring their own sponsors. They have to avail sponsors from here. This is again another ploy to rake in the cash for local businesses. Even though all the sponsors might not be Indian companies, but it is their Indian franchises who are profiting.
Then there is the bending of rules to favour the Indian teams. Chris Gayle was a replacement for Dirk Nannes in Royal Challengers side. Now, the organisers have allowed them both to play for RCB at the same time! No one seems to have noticed. Even if they have, it hasn't been brought to the forefront. Also Mumbai Indians have been allowed to field 5 foreign players because of injuries to their Indian players. How is that fair to the other teams, who have to juggle their overseas recruits in every match? This however has seen protests from the other teams. No changes have been made o the ruling yet though.
It seems at the moment that the richest sporting body in the world can get away with anything. Their power seems almost tyrannical! But, it must be remembered that every tyrant eventually falls at the hands of the same people who they dominate. They need to change this attitude, or risk alienating themselves from the rest of the Cricket world.
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