Edward Thangarajah
It takes time to build, but only moments to destroy. That's what young Indian cricket dynamo - Lalit Modi has proved - ever since he took the world by storm with his cricketing campaign.
No one has done so much for the game in such a short time like this young wizard. Lalit Modi, has given to cricket what other disciplines like soccer, boxing, tennis and golf have given their athletes over the years.
The momentum he has created is going to draw many to his way of thinking, so much so, soon many nations will launch their own plans, which will be to the benefit of everyone, especially the players, administrators, officials and followers of the discipline.
I remember when I interviewed the famous West Indian paceman, Wesley Hall at the Ceylon Daily News, him telling me, if he is paid well, he will play cricket anywhere, even in someone's backyard.
The lives of sportsmen and sportswomen are limited. They train hard to continue to shine and the life-span of some, if not all, is limited.
Why are some boxers, who are well past their prime, still fighting while risking injury? It's because they want to earn money. Many have not been able to save money. Quite a few have not been able to manage their finances even while doing well.
Hence sportsmen and sportswomen need money, to lead happy contented lives. All have sacrificed a lot by training, keeping fit and doing their best for their clubs and countries.
If they are not given the opportunity to earn a little more, by playing in new events like the Indian Premier League, then it would be very cruel indeed.
Athletes all over the world don't lead happy contented lives. That's because they don't have enough money. Some play for the love of sports by making tremendous sacrifice in life.
Hence these cricketers must be allowed to make hay while the sun shines. Instead of opposing the new programme which young Lalit Modi has launched, it would be better to have reciprocal events, programmes and tournaments, well arranged, so that everyone could enjoy watching them in all parts of the world.
They could hold competitions, without clashing with each other and give players an opportunity to earn more and keep their home fires burning.
To claim that skills of cricket will disappear and age-old competitions like Tests, and one-dayers will lose their glamour, is only a cynical way of looking at it.
We must be objective and pragmatic. I have heard many cricketers of national teams talk about the difficult lives they are leading. They have several sour stories about the suffering they are facing.
The world is changing fast. Therefore, our outlook too must change. Officials, players and administrators must have greater projection and a wider approach. We cannot live for years, accommodating the same old traditions, but must march with the times.
Without a doubt, Lalit Modi has given a new look to cricket in the world and has created a new unity.
For the first time, the Indian Professional League competition has brought families together to watch matches. Players from many parts of the world have played together, stayed under one roof and built goodwill, friendship and togetherness. This was projected immediately, in the ongoing Australia-India series. For the first time there was no sledging. What a change.
Even world-famed cricketing stalwarts like Wally Hammond and Don Bradman could not achieve such an atmosphere.
So what more does the world want?
Prev
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Next
