Another reminder that the BCCI has no idea what makes cricket such a special game
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To begin, words of gratitude to Niranjan Shah, the all-powerful secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India. He has, by the most unequivocal of interventions, returned focus to the real problem with cricket in the country. In the swirl of speculation that blows throughout the high season of Indian cricket, he has reminded us that there is a big problem, and it all starts with the board. He has drawn attention to the Board8217;s ludicrous and totalitarian micromanagement of the affairs of the game. This week, Shah ticked off Virendra Sehwag for being presumptuous enough to voice his opinion on Sourav Ganguly8217;s legacy and the ever busier match schedule. Players, he dictated, cannot speak on 8220;board policies and selection matters8221;.
That, pretty much, could stop cricketers from talking altogether. Taken to its ridiculously logical extreme, this gag order could even cover shot selection. And ridiculous are the lengths the Board is going to to keep absolute control on cricket and how it is discussed. The BCCI has let it be known that it would like to appoint its own commentators for telecasts which it awards. They would, presumably, be mindful of 8220;board policies and selection matters8221;.
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The recent round of sponsorship, endorsement and telecast deals has given the BCCI fresh confidence. This is the richest team in the world. What the Board does not seem to realise is that this wealth accrues from the special appeal international cricket has for so many Indians. That appeal comes not just from the great entertainment provided on the field of play. It draws from a very eclectic mix: the social and historical context of the rivalries on display, the clash of personalities and styles, the traditional association of the best of cricketers with ethical issues ranging from apartheid to injustices suffered by colleagues 8212; for instance, when the Sri Lankan team rallied around Muralitharan when he suffered self-doubt about his bowling action. Take away the cricketer8217;s freedom to act and speak upon his convictions 8212; as Sehwag was doing, so very innocuously 8212; and the Board could begin to kill its golden goose.
