English
In visible terms, India has taken over England as the guardians of cricket. Ashis Nandy’s words, “Cricket is an Indian game accidentally discovered by the British” have come true. If one was to trace back this transition, the 1983 Prudential World Cup win could safely be termed as the turning point. Eight years down the line, the Indian economy opened up and a billion plus population proved to be a good market to sell cricket as a popular sport. ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 Schedule: Complete Fixtures & Time Table of all Cricket World Cup 2015 Matches.
With more people, came in more money. And with more money, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) became one of the strongest sporting bodies in the world.
Eight editions following the memorable win at Lord’s, Indian cricket seems to send out a message that they are overloaded with affection and don’t need it any longer, except to promote their brands. Indian players have been asked to not sign autographs in order to stay away from bookies. If this trend continues, the day won’t be too far when spectators won’t be allowed inside the stadium and matches won’t be telecast live.
On the other hand, South Africa and New Zealand have devised refreshing approaches in popularising cricket in their respective countries and selling it to the masses. Only a few months back, the South African cricket team had fulfilled a cricket fan’s wish, played community cricket and indulged in other interactive activities to integrate their fans into the sport.
New Zealand have done it now. Skipper Brendon McCullum has issued an open invitation to the bosses at workplaces across New Zealand to not only come for the semi-final clash against the Proteas, but also to allow their employees to take a day off and come cheer for the Black Caps at Eden Park. By rallying a nation to invest their time and vocal cords through a personal touch, the gesture stands in stark contrast with how the pricey Indian players behave with their fans.
Yes, there is a massive social difference. Indian cricketers are likely to get mobbed if they decide to take a stroll on the street, unlike their cricketing counterparts in other continents. This popularity has come with a price with personal space taking a big dent.
However, the signs are clear that while one entity is distancing itself, the other is using the big stage to bind a nation. The engagement levels with not just the common man, but also the media is slowly, but steadily affecting the goodwill, a personal touch if you will, of the Indian cricketers. ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 Schedule in IST: Time Table, Fixture & Venue Details of all WC 2015 Matches.
India is not the only country to have been plagued with the ills of match-fixing. South Africa and New Zealand have also had cases in the past – at domestic and international level. Yet, they have found ways to not distance their cricketers from the fans.
The European football market has smoothly eaten up on the dying popularity of quality cricket and have taken advantage of cricket drifting away from the masses. It is about time the Indian officials wake up to this high handed behaviour and allow the players to engage with the people with a personal touch, stepping away from the demi-god status that they revel in. If nothing, at least show the intention to do so.
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