IPL and Elections: Are you game?

Just a year ago it was being debated whether T20 would kill Test cricket, will the franchise owners be able to recover huge investment or if the use of cheerleaders is justified. This time the issue is: Is it a good idea to hold IPL during elections?

CJ: Tilak Jha

Sat, Apr 18, 2009 07:29:46 IST

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IPL Cricket News :

A DAY after the first phase of elections, Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings have begun the first IPL-II carnival in Cape Town, South Africa. There has been much debate over the IPL and the General Elections being held simultaneously. Though the government denied IPL the cakewalk, citing security concerns, it remained short of stopping it altogether.

Just an year ago it was being debated whether T20 would kill Test cricket, whether the franchise owners would be able to recover their huge investment or if the use of cheerleaders is morally justified. This time the issue is: Is it a good idea to hold cricket matches during general elections? Also, is cricket so important that we needed to hold this tournament outside the country? The debate is shriller, more serious and refuses to settle down this time.

Then, let’s not forget IPL and money are very closely associated. Ironically, while use of money and power is considered unethical during elections, in cricket we want the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to be the most powerful board. For campaigning, the same political parties who opposed cheerleaders will use film stars and yes, cricket stars too.

With the matches beginning today onwards (April 18), young cricket enthusiasts, who will also be voting, are a divided lot. Praveen Saraf, 22, says, “T20 is all about sixes and fours and we had enough of it last year. I am not too excited this time.” Surendra Kumar Sahu, 27, who is preparing for the civil services exam states categorically, “For me, elections are more important.” Parag Goyal, 24, an MBA, says, “We do so many things simultaneously in our daily lives. I think people will vote, despite the IPL.”

However, students who are through with their Board exams and are not eligible for voting, can barely wait for the T20 carnival to begin.

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