On this 11th morning, about 20 of us, die hard cricket enthusiasts woke up at 5 am in the morning and driven down to Baroda to watch India play Australia, with a hope that the series will be leveled. Well, the experience has been short of a terrific one despite India caving in meekly. For me, this being the first time at a cricket ground in India for an ODI, it added to excitement. The experience was good because of the gang I was with. Also, to see the demigods in flesh and blood from about 10-15 meters distance was interesting, at least as it began in the morning. As the day progressed, I did not personally like the attitude and way some of the 'boys' played. To say the least the Indian team's attitude sucked big time and I am not talking about loosing the match.
We were sitting right next to pavilion and had the opportunity to see the players closely. The players who stood close to where we sat (third man / fine leg depending) were Hopes & Lee (while India batted) , Harbhajan & RP Singh (while the Aussies shoved us). It is amazing to see how players throw attitude even when people cheer them and root for them. For instance Lee acknowledged when ever the crowd yelled well bowled when he returned after bowling a good over. I liked the way he acknowledged and simultaneously concentrated on the game. Take Bhajji on the other hand- his gesture was as if he is God's gift to mankind when the crowd said well bowled (after the 1st over). May be he is used to this way, after playing in many grounds in front of the cricket crazy fans. But great people always had humility even when they became big and I suddenly discovered these guys were also mortals. It's us who put them on this demigod pedestal.
One difference from watching it on TV versus in the ground- you can see what you want to, rather than what is being shown. This is where it dawned (hard) on us- the difference between both the teams. Bhajji again for instance, had an option of running for a catch at deep midwicket (the risk is - he may miss it and the ball may run down to 4) or taking it on first bounce with reasonable surety. No prizes for guessing what he did!! The point is if we have lost the match in our minds before we even tried, no one can do much. In this case, the only message I got was - what is the point diving for a ball when the match is gone already. So much for the spirit of game.
The other aspect which sucked big time as the stadium infra. I tell you, it reminded me of the customer choice, during license raj in India. I wish I had taken some pics but this one is the most disgusting aspect of the day. There were open toilets (can you imagine??) or the so called eye wash of a makeshift 4 ft x 4ft (tinned) four walls (or three walls + an open door). Which Indian woman would use these toilets? For men - of course it doesn't matter(we get close to nature pretty fast!). Barring arrangements for water, every thing else was bad. There was hardly any choice for food (for lunch) and the PA system was jarring. We paid Rs.2000 each for this spectacle (which was kind of middle range). This reminded me of the Bajaj scooter and the Ambassador car of the 70's and 80's when customers in India did not have a choice.
Agreed cricket sells in India. It is ironical that despite Indian Cricket being one of the richest in the world, the fans get such a raw deal. How long will the fans be taken for granted? For once I am so happy Subhash Chandra started ICL. I really wish them good luck and want them succeed. If BCCI starts to learn only when competition teaches them, then best of luck to them. Mr Pawar, there are plenty of lessons to be learnt from Hindustan Motors and Bajaj Auto. What does it take to create a Kingsmead / Wanderers / Lords in India? Why can't we have good facilities where people can go, have fun and really call it entertainment. We have many lessons from again the multiplexes and malls in India. If they are very close to being world class and there is willing public to pay and use, then why not world class stadiums? For instance, compare the drainage facilities in the ground between Lords and the best in the country. The Bangalore ODI would have been saved; I am sure the ROI for just putting an efficient drainage would be very attractive. But who is looking at it?
Why don't we professionalize BCCI? Run it like a corporation and the top team (the CEO and other C's) of the new entity will be accountable for say a board. Dissolve all the state level associations and create just branch offices of the new entity. With the advent of TV we don't have to worry about taking cricket to Indian villages; 6-7 world class venues in cities with good airports and hotel facilities are just fine. I am sure if BCCI has this intent and really keen to make this change, there will be many takers to join them in this journey from even institutes like IIMs.
But, like in many areas in our country, what we really need is the leadership. Who will bell the cat and put an end to this spectacle? But on a lighter note, our gang did well to have fun despite the many hardships. Well that explains why this spectacle still goes on.
We were sitting right next to pavilion and had the opportunity to see the players closely. The players who stood close to where we sat (third man / fine leg depending) were Hopes & Lee (while India batted) , Harbhajan & RP Singh (while the Aussies shoved us). It is amazing to see how players throw attitude even when people cheer them and root for them. For instance Lee acknowledged when ever the crowd yelled well bowled when he returned after bowling a good over. I liked the way he acknowledged and simultaneously concentrated on the game. Take Bhajji on the other hand- his gesture was as if he is God's gift to mankind when the crowd said well bowled (after the 1st over). May be he is used to this way, after playing in many grounds in front of the cricket crazy fans. But great people always had humility even when they became big and I suddenly discovered these guys were also mortals. It's us who put them on this demigod pedestal.
One difference from watching it on TV versus in the ground- you can see what you want to, rather than what is being shown. This is where it dawned (hard) on us- the difference between both the teams. Bhajji again for instance, had an option of running for a catch at deep midwicket (the risk is - he may miss it and the ball may run down to 4) or taking it on first bounce with reasonable surety. No prizes for guessing what he did!! The point is if we have lost the match in our minds before we even tried, no one can do much. In this case, the only message I got was - what is the point diving for a ball when the match is gone already. So much for the spirit of game.
The other aspect which sucked big time as the stadium infra. I tell you, it reminded me of the customer choice, during license raj in India. I wish I had taken some pics but this one is the most disgusting aspect of the day. There were open toilets (can you imagine??) or the so called eye wash of a makeshift 4 ft x 4ft (tinned) four walls (or three walls + an open door). Which Indian woman would use these toilets? For men - of course it doesn't matter(we get close to nature pretty fast!). Barring arrangements for water, every thing else was bad. There was hardly any choice for food (for lunch) and the PA system was jarring. We paid Rs.2000 each for this spectacle (which was kind of middle range). This reminded me of the Bajaj scooter and the Ambassador car of the 70's and 80's when customers in India did not have a choice.
Agreed cricket sells in India. It is ironical that despite Indian Cricket being one of the richest in the world, the fans get such a raw deal. How long will the fans be taken for granted? For once I am so happy Subhash Chandra started ICL. I really wish them good luck and want them succeed. If BCCI starts to learn only when competition teaches them, then best of luck to them. Mr Pawar, there are plenty of lessons to be learnt from Hindustan Motors and Bajaj Auto. What does it take to create a Kingsmead / Wanderers / Lords in India? Why can't we have good facilities where people can go, have fun and really call it entertainment. We have many lessons from again the multiplexes and malls in India. If they are very close to being world class and there is willing public to pay and use, then why not world class stadiums? For instance, compare the drainage facilities in the ground between Lords and the best in the country. The Bangalore ODI would have been saved; I am sure the ROI for just putting an efficient drainage would be very attractive. But who is looking at it?
Why don't we professionalize BCCI? Run it like a corporation and the top team (the CEO and other C's) of the new entity will be accountable for say a board. Dissolve all the state level associations and create just branch offices of the new entity. With the advent of TV we don't have to worry about taking cricket to Indian villages; 6-7 world class venues in cities with good airports and hotel facilities are just fine. I am sure if BCCI has this intent and really keen to make this change, there will be many takers to join them in this journey from even institutes like IIMs.
But, like in many areas in our country, what we really need is the leadership. Who will bell the cat and put an end to this spectacle? But on a lighter note, our gang did well to have fun despite the many hardships. Well that explains why this spectacle still goes on.
1 comment:
well said Time! It is high time we had some competition for the one day format and the BCCI. I support the concept of IPL precisely for this reason, if nothing else!
Vinay
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