A not-so-Indian tyohaar
You guessed it right! Say it again! Exactly! The IPL frenzy, and the not-so-friendly vibes it exudes. The whole idea of playing a single
game, in several different formats, has just exceeded new levels of petulance.
Despite being a hopeless optimist, I couldn’t stop myself
from exploring the dark legacy the colonial masters left us with. We look up to
them and constantly try to be at par with them, in spite of serious hurdles
like overpopulation and illiteracy (and others) pulling us back. But today, I
have a formidable reason to proudly blame you, dear former masters, for making
us an otherwise handicapped nation.
Being an Indian, I dare not claim to be anti-cricket, for I
am still fond of my endangered peace of mind. However, a few things that bug me
big time is when Maria Sharapova honestly admits not knowing a Sachin Tendulkar
becomes a debate, and the umpteen number of inhuman rapes (in India) go
unnoticed. And in the process, dear all, if you expect me to remain mum about
his Parliament attendance, I’m afraid, I’m going to disappoint you. I have a
problem with the soaring levels of commercialization our country is heading
towards. It shakes me to conclude that the rich are becoming richer and the
poor- poorer. What also worries me is how, people of all ages, miss a heartbeat
when Gayle shows up to bat; how everyone hurls abuses when Dhoni misses a
catch- all at the cost of wasting the precious time of their lives. The same
magnitude of enthusiasm when employed in increasing work efficiency or
enhancing a skill or just sitting back and contemplating would do so much
wonders. Yet another aspect of the game, which, for me, is disgustingly lame is
how a Navjot Singh Sidhu flaunts the extravagance in his attire. He is the same
person who immodestly cachinnates at profane comments on sordid TV shows
because well, sense of humour, anyone?
Are we realizing this, people, that we are merely becoming a
cricket nation, nurturing generations towards ignoring every other human virtue
and imbibing “cricket” as a way of life? Are we not grown up enough to know
that it’s no more a six, but a Yes Bank maximum; no more spectators, but
Vodafone superfan; no more a drinks break, but a Ceat strategic timeout and no
more the man of the match, but the Pan vilas dumdar khiladi?
I don’t have much issues with the game as I have for the
mindless fan following it renders. I appreciate the fact that we, as a country,
are doing a brilliant job when it comes to producing cricketers. I also respect
the hard work of the players behind putting up great shows. But I dread a day
in future, when all the other sports would lose the meagre recognition they
receive, and cricket would begin to define us. I believe that it is time we
stop eyeing Anushka Sharma at the pavilion and focus on more meaningful things.
Feedback would be valuable. Thank you!
