It was the 19th over of the Mumbai Indians and the Chennai Super Kings final of the IPL6 when the ball was given to Lasith Malinga. When he ensured that more than 36 runs were required of the last over, it was time to rejoice for all Mumbai fans like me. But that was not there. The recent events that had unearthed about spot fixing leaves a big question mark not only on the tournament but also the BCCI which manages it.
BCCI or Board of Control for Cricket in India is the autonomous body that regulates cricket in India. It was made autonomous to promote the game of cricket which is a religion and people swear by it and the players who are worshiped as demi-gods. There are astronomical sums of money in India and this can be proved by the fact that around 80% of the revenue of ICC (International cricket council) is due to BCCI. No wonder BCCI has supreme clout and time and again it has used it for its ulterior motives.
The power, glamour and money has increased so much in BCCI that heavyweight politicians and businessmen alike have not been able to stay away from it. Sharad Pawar, the 'badshah' of Indian politics ousted long time administrator Jagmohan Dalmiya to grab power and still is a force to reckon in BCCI long after retirement. And all big politicians entered the game and the battles from the Parliament were expected to be fought on this turf as well. But curiously enough that has never been the case. They have colluded together and probably shared the cake as well. Because it is not common that Arun Jaitley of BJP has a closed door meeting with Rajeev Shukla of the Congress and team up against an ace businessman and Chess Federation and BCCI chief Narayanswami Srinivisan who himself has amended the BCCI constitution to continue as President as well as own a team in the cash rich IPL. Conflict of interest but Srinivisan will still say I am wrong. One of the main reasons why there is so much interest in being the President of the BCCI is the power as you virtually rule the game. Even the captain of India, M.S.Dhoni was gagged at the press conference (he happens to be the Vice President of India Cements owned by Srini) about questions related to spot fixing understandably on orders of Srini. Such is the power that cricketers like Ravi Shastri and Sunil Gavaskar did not speak a word about it while the IPL was on.
The recent controversy of spot fixing in which there has been clear evidence of Srini's son-in-law involved and his team CSK in a difficult situation as it can be suspended under clause 12.3(c). But all this while the growing chorus not only in BCCI but also in the "Mango People" about Srinivisan resigning has been answered by "I am innocent and will not resign" or stern silence by the man himself. Pretty obvious for a man who has created one of India's largest cement companies daring so many storms. It is more of a prestige issue for him which he will not give up so easily. It is better to be silent and not react is his stand right now. But this should not be tolerable as it has resulted in the brand IPL taking a hit and the confidence of all in BCCI dwindling.
IPL was an answer to the Subhash Chandra's ICL which was formed to give a chance to upcoming players. Not only was it crushed by the genius Lalit Modi but he also made sure that the IPL had glitz, glamour and the moolah. Mukesh Ambani, the flamboyant Vijay Mallya and King Khan owned teams which added to the success of auctions. But it could not be managed by the people who forced the creator of the league into exile. Drugs, fixing and bending of rules surfaced and dragged the league into controversy. So much so that all the matches after Sreesanth was arrested were referred to as fixed matches. A dropped catch was referred to as clear case of match fixing.
Being a not-for profit organisation promoting cricket it is not liable to pay taxes except for the IPL where the BCCI paid taxes to stall probe before the truth about money came out. Various PILs about BCCI have been unanswered and it has daringly kept itself out of RTI as well. But all know about the cash rich BCCI. And instead of being silent over any questions there are a number of things that can be done by the BCCI. It can promote and fund other sports in India. The sight of Saina Nehwal doling out the Champion of the match award in the finals was good. A little step but surely gives limelight to sportspersons who would have otherwise not got due attention.
As for the mess and the unaccountability BCCI must come make itself more transparent and disallow politicians from the governing team. Honest and scholars of the game and people who have profound knowledge about the game should be allowed. Ex-cricketers like Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman and Anil Kumble who are gentlemen of the game must be roped in to achieve the true goal of BCCI. If politicians continue to squeeze money from BCCI as well and start ruling over the body, cricket will be the first religion to be denounced by the people. As a cricket fan I have lost faith in the BCCI and the game of cricket. Hope I am not among the first to denounce the religion and its Gods.
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