It was a perfect Sunday family outing. Drama, histrionics, action, tension, entertainment, glamour – the first Indian Premier League finals had all of that and more. While the thousands who had gathered to watch the Rajasthan vs Chennai grand finale at the DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai sat on the edge of their seats for the latter part of the game, for millions glued to their TV sets at home, pubs and public places, the story wasn’t very different.
From the near-empty streets and revised social itineraries to match the telecast, it is clear that this format of the game has managed to cast a spell on the country’s collective psyche. Apart from propping local talent onto the national scene, the IPL has also proved that the corporate model of performance and accountability can work if we are to replicate the European football club culture of successful imports.
But is the IPL story all hunky-dory?
Has the entry of business houses and Bollywood stars robbed the game of its innocence and laidback charm? Has there been more controversy than cricket in the past month-and-a-half of cricketing orgy? Has it sounded the death knell for the game as feared by purists?
In an age of instant gratification, this quick and snazzy format of the game has had an instant impact. While it may or may not have created die-hard fans, it sure has changed the way the gentleman’s game will be played.
Do you think has IPL changed the face of cricket? Write in here
Comments
0 comment