Tags:
Journalism of Courage
The two best cricket teams of the country playing each other in the season-opener at arguably the best stadium in the country should be reason enough for spectators to flock in. But — despite entry being free — the Irani Trophy encounter between Mumbai and Rest of India, which ended at the PCA Stadium here on Saturday was, like most domestic encounters, played out before empty stands.
‘‘It is not the public’s fault,’’ says Punjab Cricket Association president IS Bindra. ‘‘When the Board of Control for Cricket in India has labelled the match inconsequential, why should we blame anyone? How else would you explain such an important match not being telecast live?’’, he asks.
Bindra adds in the context: ‘‘The reality is that the BCCI doesn’t take first class cricket seriously. Like Australia and England, we don’t make any effort to market it.’’
For their part, the players too felt the lack of motivation that comes of playing in front of empty seats. A player from the tie who didn’t wish to be named said told this reporter, ‘‘The Irani Trophy is a big match and any cricketer would like to keep a record of it, maybe a video. Also, it’s always good if there are people in the stadium who cheer every wicket and boundary. But that never happens.’’
