A Fan’s Apology

Time they say holds the key to the unknown, the unthinkable and the sublime. The way predictions change and tides flow away and take a bow; it just simmers down to a simple twist of fate that one may say is a trick. A Prestige….

 

Nothing can be more dramatic for a mutli-billion cricketing extravaganza, courtesy Lalit Modi, when two underdogs fight for the crown. It may seem a bit pessimistic that for the second year in a row, it’s the dark horse that’s on track for a photo finish. They are on a roll and to quote my old pal: Am just disgusted that it is just a parade of stars minus any cricket, an apology from a fan. Being a spectator, the sidelights proved to be more interesting than the ball rolling over the fence – a bitter irony…

 

Beyond the boundary the teams are having a go at the arena, a bull fight. Nothing would be more pleasing to see the Deccan Charges and Royal Challengers – written off like old hens – stemming the tide with pride no doubt. It just remains to be seen who opens the keg tonight and who wallows in misery wit some scotch on the rocks…

 

The very thought has many pundits reassuring us that the game is supreme not the individual. Purists still pooh-pooh the watered down potato chips version, but the slam-bang version has its own followers.

 

But may we not forget that a galaxy of talent from different backgrounds is not the need of the hour. The very sport – IPL1&2- has shown that a simple discipline and teamwork has put many a leader to the sword and plain cricketing brain has won many a battle. Many feel vindicated when one sees that the very event was supposed to be magical one to enchant the audience. Maybe they all spoke too soon…

 

Fascinating it may be for a bunch of international players vying for big bucks among cricket crazy fans, the tame finale is just an afterthought, maybe lost till the next round. I salute the patrons for the very idea boomeranged, but still the festivities and revelries may soothe some nerves. But maybe we need to see it a more different context than in a lighter vein for may not the sport be lost in a mix of stardom and showbiz, its very unbecoming of a sport, its very uncricketing…..