Cricket in Kaos

Back and forth the accusations travel. But it does no more that justify that as much as India is a sore loser, Australia is a gallant less winner. What has become of the epic game that ruled our hearts? Is it merely just another political stunt? Obviously, the sport is missing now. But will it return or does this mark the extinction of the acclaimed game?

India explodes that Harbhajan has been called a racist without proper evidence. There national identity has been lost, it seems. I thought cricket was a sport. From where does national honour come into play? You play for a nation. But that doesn't mean the sport is the nation. Imagine if the puny little Bangladesh team who loses every other cricket match, made such a fuss. Would there anger be valued so much to place the news on the front page of our newspaper? Its all about politics, money and business. India has the notes, earning 70% of the revenue for cricket, and it can twiddle the right buttons and put pressure. It's disgusting to those who just want to watch a match!

The worst thing is two highly different issues are becoming one. Would this have been the same dilemma if India had won the match? Harbhajan's ban may be based on unsubstantial evidence, and hence appeal by all means. But stop making a big deal about it, as if the world has come to an end. Cooping up cricketers in a bus for 2 hours, burning effigies of Ponting, it all has to be stopped.

The second accusation, ignited by the Indian captain's comment, that only one team was playing in the spirit of the game, was even more eruptive. If you were to ask me no one was playing in the spirit of the team. You watch a match for thrilling sensation of not knowing who will win. And the action it brings. That was the success of the 20twenty finals. Up until the last minute, you could never tell. Let's see if that day ever dawns in test cricket.

We've all played our share of low-profile games, to know there are the good and the bad umpiring decisions. But whatever it is, his decision is final. Just because its escalated at an international level doesn't change a thing. And if the players can't even follow this basic rule, well they've definitely lost the plot and the sport.

At the end of the day, the victim is no one but the sport itself. The politic influence, the predictability of the winner, and the whinging have all endangered its applaudable aspects. It no longer seems to be a team game, rather it is either a game played for individual achievement or a game played as a nation against nation, creating the atmosphere of two nations at war. None of this is good sports. Everyone take a chill pill and play for the sport atleast some time soon.