The IPL 2009 is at its fag end and eight teams are fighting hard. Please don’t count KKR out, they are up for making a new low in the small history of IPL. This IPL is in news for many more reasons than pure cricket and that reminds me of the last cricket world cup.
The controversies begin with the problems that started with the bigger IPL (Indian political league) and smaller one scheduled to take place at same time. The irony was that South Africa held the elections during the same IPL. Though I am not comparing SA’s elections with the India’s big show of democracy. All this ended with our own Indian Premier league becoming Indian Phoren league and suddenly mohali was replaced by kingsmead.
The inauguration ceremony was a real Indian-South African culture mix – one of the few positives out of this dis-placed tournament. With inauguration came another unscheduled and surprised masala of this IPL. Yes Mr. FIP. If still you didn’t get the name, I am referring to the Fake IPLer. He/She is making it all the more interesting. Kolkata team has been in news for all other reasons than cricket. The super-over gamble, racism, four-captain theory and the list continues. And to add to it Chris Gayle has carried the euphoria of T20 to Test cricket. So frustrated is the Caribbean big-guy that he is ready to put off the captain-ship burden. I really want to know what pressurized this big-guy to carry this so-called burden so far.
Another dimension of IPL that hits me is the “catch me if you can” attitude of the ball. Every match we see some dollies on the ground out of the hands of some good fielders. There may be many reasons for this including the gala-wind that blows. Yet it can be improved with all the excuses well accepted.
Still we are not over with the tournament and lots is in store for us to see, read and experience.
P.S. – I just finished watching Rajasthan Royals beat Mumbai boys. A really close match ; Sanath at the top could have reversed the result.
