what's in store for Indian cricket

(Karthik Narayan)

What an empty way to begin a write up!! Yes, Indian cricket is empty, the hopes are full but hearts are drooped; Moneybags are full but eyes are pooped.

It is not about the way cricket is being played or the money made by and through Indian cricket. It is about the way in which cricket takes a back seat.

Forget the public, the specators who pay more money than what an average indian earns in 5 days (a match ticket costs at least Rs.250 for an ODI; Ok maybe even more). At least they get fun, its like watching a movie. Now that they have murder mysteries to check out, cricket is indeed a play-act game out there.

They act, we pay, they get money, they are happy.

Money seems to be all pervading - filling all the voids of mankind - including a sport like cricket. A well organized cricket match also seems to be a well planned money spinner. Is that a coincidence? Only time can tell.

Excitement lies in playing the game, watching the cricketers bedecked in their dirty socks and muddy trousers rather than looking at them in fine suits attending press conferences and endorsing cola brands and cool clothing at the same time.

But hey, this is Indian cricket, remember? It reminds me of a proverb that was taught to all of us in our early stages – an empty mind is a devil’s workshop! I only have one sentence to add to it – “May the Devil be worshipped, or thy perish”.

(I know you can work that one out for yourself - who the devil is, and who worships who...)