Ignoble game

Sir — Ramachandra Guha’s article, “No game for good men” (June 1), offers an insightful analysis of the evils that are plaguing the game of cricket. He has elaborated on the spot-fixing scandal in the wake of the the arrest of Gurunath Meiyappan, the son-in-law of N. Srinivasan. The latter stepped aside from the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s presidentship till the inquiry into spot-fixing allegations involving his son-in-law is complete. Guha has challenged the basic intention and ethics of the mentors of the Indian Premiere League. He says it is necessary to take a few “radical steps” rather than token measures like legalizing betting. Guha has correctly said that the IPL is “deeply divisive in a sociological sense”. The tournament is synonymous with a show of wealth and glamour. It draws a substantial number of spectators every year. In a competition like the IPL , the money paid for the acquisition of players, even rookies, is unusually high. It is thus shocking that even after earning hefty sums some players succumb to the lure of making more money in an illegal way. They insult the very game which has given them their identity and betray the faith of the spectators who idolize them.

Guha has correctly pointed out that influential people, who happen to be at the helm of the game’s affairs, have never played the sport seriously in their lives. Hence they do not possess sound knowledge of its techniques. That is probably the reason why they lack the “dedicated selflessness of the cricketing coaches and managers”. It is possible that they have ventured into cricket on a “massive ego trip” or to share the stage with other celebrities or to promote their business ventures.

However, the fact that companies like the Tatas, Mahindra and Infosys have not promoted an IPL team does not necessarily prove that the IPL is a “shady operation run by shady characters.” A thorough probe by a central agency should be conducted to go to the root of the malice. Otherwise, the IPL might become the object of ridicule, nationally and internationally.

Yours faithfully,
Indranil Banerjee, Calcutta

Sir — Gone are the days when cricket used to be known as the gentleman’s game. India is a country where cricket is considered to be a religion. Cricketers here are worshipped as gods. During the past few years, the Twenty20 format has become hugely popular with the followers of the game. However, this truncated version of the game is losing its sheen quickly because it has become mired in dishonest and corrupt practices like spot-fixing and betting.

The recent spot-fixing scandal involved three players of the Rajasthan Royals. Several others closely associated with the tournament are alleged to be involved in murky dealings . This has come as a blow to countless cricket lovers. The authorities must find who the culprits are and mete out severe punishment. This is the only feasible way of cleaning up the mess. This might also ensure that some time in the future one can again think of cricket as a gentleman’s game.

Yours faithfully,
Haran Chandra Mandal,

Calcutta

Sir — The spot-fixing scandal has disgraced our nation and the game of cricket. The man who was at the helm of affairs in the BCCI initially refused to resign and dissociated himself from the mess that has tarnished the image of this year’s tournament. It seems as if the administrators of the game covet their posts and, therefore, are unwilling to follow the rules or maintain decorum.

Several inconsistencies and irregularities have marked the investigations into the betting scandal. Given the situation, one would have thought that a total revamp would take place in the apex body of Indian cricket. However, what has actually taken place resembles a convenient arrangement among the various groups that hold sway in the sporting body. Hence, one should not read too much into developments such as N. Srinivasan’s temporary exile from the BCCI chief’s chair and Jagmohan Dalmiya’s anointment as the interim president. It seems that even this ‘match’ was ‘fixed’ in the boardroom itself. In all probability, Srinivasan will come out unscathed. The spotlight will not shift from the erring players to the pompous administrators. Dishonourable acts on the part of the tainted players and the antics of some of the administrators have sullied cricket in India. The truth is that the game of cricket has lost a great deal in the process.

Yours faithfully,
Pachu Menon, Goa

Sir — As far as the probe regarding the match-fixing scandal is concerned, there is surely a lot more than what meets the eye. The sports minister should ensure that investigations are conducted in a transparent manner. It would also be beneficial if the Criminal Bureau of Investigation were to take up the matter. The authorities should have called off the remaining matches as soon as some of the players were implicated in the match-fixing scandal. The members of the IPL’s governing body should have resigned as well. These days, cricket has become synonymous with monetary incentives and political clout.

Yours faithfully,
M.M. Kale, Kakinada,

Andhra Pradesh