The Prudent Indian

Hi Friends, I have been absent from this blog for some time now, not because there was any dearth of topics but largely to catch up with some serious reading. I suppose my self imposed sabbatical need to end now, so I am back with and among you all.

IPL, Pakistan and wailing Indian Media.

It may be understandable for Pakistanis to cry themselves hoarse over non selection (or sale) of their cricketers in IPL auction, but more than Pakis it is Indian MSM’s cacophony which is absurd. I disagree with those bleeding heart secularists and ‘Sec-Soc’ MSM as they argue 1.) Pakistani players should not have been invited. 2.) Sport and politics should not be mixed.

Both arguments are erroneous and unsustainable. 1.) Had Pakistan been informed that they were not welcome; even then they would not have behaved any differently than now, and rather would that not have been more embarrassing for India and would not have invited criticism internationally? On the contrary they were invited and put on for sale but nobody bought them. Simple! It is that simple. IPL and their franchises are free to choose any one they like and they just exercised their choice –for whatever reason- so what is the big deal?

Second as for ‘Sport and politics should not be mixed’, it is stupid to even think so. Sport after all is an extension of war albeit with out blood shed. Sports have always been part of international politics and diplomacy. Boycott of South Africa due to apartheid policy of theirs or boycotts of Olympics at various times by various countries prove that. Sports – had always been and shall always be a useful extension of foreign policy, subtle but powerful in impact.

Frankly, I believe there is no point in engaging a country that has been not only at war with us but has sworn to bleed India by thousands cuts. No way can the hatred of Pakistan towards India be mellowed, least alone by playing cricket with them. Pakistan’s and Indian MSM’s wailing is idiotic if not funny.

It is a fact that Pakistan is current 20:20 champion so is the fact that they are the only team to have murdered (indeed!) or have BOB Woolmer (their couch) murdered during last world cup. I do not believe what ever the investigation said; here read why I call this murder. Here is one more example for Paki’s love for cricket. Must see this.

Finally! If that was a ’snub’ to them (Pakis), so be it. I congratulate IPL franchisees for showing courage and doing what our Lame Prime Minister Minion and his govt should have done much earlier, at least after 26/11.

I for one can not cheer up a Paki player as long as my fellow citizens are being blown to pieces every now and then by their (Pakis)  fellow countrymen.

PI.

PS: Here comes the Shahrukh as usual on the ‘Sec-Soc’ Undie TV and says, “he believes the Pakistani players should have been chosen…”. Pray for God (his case Allah) sake what stopped you?

Posted in Crime, Devil’s Advocate, cricket world cup 2007 | Tagged Devil’s Advocate, frankenstein, ipl, islamic terrorism, Media, Modi, My Take, prudent indian, Reading Between The Lines, shahrukh khan., UPA:Un Provoked Assassins

"After all, should Indian cricket slip back into an age where players were a bit like ill-paid daily wage laborers, who were expected to pay obeisance to board officials if they wanted to be selected for the country? Or should cricketers be seen as highly talented professionals who have earned the right to demand their price in the marketplace? Big money must never be allowed to replace the honors of representing your state and country. But neither must talent come cheap." Rajdeep asks and answers here in this great piece.

For past two three days, "Money to Cricketers" and "Election in Pakistan" are hogging the maximum news space and news time. My Take

Pakistan First
Well, it is good that these elections have put the country back on democratic lines, though how long it remains so, is to be seen. Pakistan's 'flirtations' with democracy is some thing which only Allah, Army and America know/decide. Therefore it is a risk affair to comment on Pakistan's political scene. Anyway, Good Luck to Pakistan.

Now on to, "Money in Cricket".
As Rajdeep observes and contrasts the 'Cricket' scene then ' his fathers playing days and now, Cricket as a 'Corporate Venture', clearly Cricket has come a long way. I feel 'happy' for the cricketers who are minting money and see nothing wrong if they are well paid or ' as some grudge, overly paid. "Making Hay as long as the Sun Shines", is an age old maxim. After all, many Cricketers are not necessarily as 'blessed' with exceptional talent to keep playing as long as 'Our Little Master' has been! Good Luck to them, may they play well and earn more.

Having said this, I wonder about other sports. I wonder, as Barkha said some time back in her column , would Sania Mirza have been so popular among Indians had she been not a 'Charming Young Lady'! I add ' just for MSM, wonder MSM would have given her so much of coverage had she been not a 'Muslim' too!!

I wonder how many people know about Gopi Chan Phutala! Refer to my post Oh! Cricket, - see this too -I did raise some questions about other sports persons who have done India proud. What have we done for them? Ironical as it is, that Mr. Prakash Padukone is now famous for being 'the father' of Depika ' not that it is wrong, rather I know Mr. Prakash would surely be a proud father ' than for his achievements as a sportsman par excellence.

Just in recent past we witnessed the 'contrast' between the treatment meted out to two world cup winning teams, Cricket win in T20 world Cup and the Hockey win in the World Cup. On one side, the cricketers were showered with all the 'monies' and felicitations, The hockey players had to resort to 'hunger strike' to get their dues ' they got that? I do not know.

Sad commentary indeed!

Market economics, viewers' interest, TRPs etc. in favor of Cricket, are all valid arguments. If BCCI has marketed 'Cricket' well and is earning money for self and cricketers, than kudos to them. Just wish they had been more transparent and accountable to the 'public' who after all the main source of their income. Alas!

But, why do all other sports associations are not as geared up and making their sport popular? If you argue that they are 'infested' with politicians ' as they truly are- than I remind them Cricket too is infected with 'politicians' ' though, I personally would love to see Cricketers like Mr. Gavaskar at the helm of affairs. But then, unarguably other sports associations are being run as personal 'fiefdoms' of some select few, just like the Main Party in the ruling alliance UPA!

Today, any Parent would be tempted to ask their sons (not daughters, as women cricket is still not popular) to 'horn' their skills in 'Cricket' than 'burning mid light lamps' to pursue career in Engg, Medical or MBA! After all 'Cricket' is the ticket to big name, fame and fortune. May be Parents have already started queuing up at 'Cricket academy' gates! Will cricket consume all other sports? As it is all other sports are almost 'forgotten'.

I expect and pray some 'Miracle' to happen to other sports as well and other sports persons too start earning if not as 'astronomical' sums but 'enough' to sustain self, keeping their pride intact, so they can concentrate on their sport careers, doing India proud. Amen!

Wish media too do some soul searching and take upon themselves to give a little more attention to other sports as well. If the achievements of other sports persons are given as much importance and coverage as is given to cricket, it might help the sports person to feel motivated and of course attract and motivate budding talents too. Sure media can do that, just cut the crap most of them show 'incessantly'.

Will Business houses and Movie Stars come and adopt some other sports as well?

May I ask Mr. Mani Shankar Aiyaar, minister for sports and youth affairs? Sir, do you have any blue print for promotion of sports, or all energies are reserved for being in the good books of the 'Queen Mother' and 'Crowned Prince?

Prudent Indian.
Posted In BCCI, Cricket, Devil’s
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Cricket, Indian
Premier League, Media, My Take, Reading Between The Lines, World cup, prudent
indian, woolmer |

Killer Cricket?

This morning, when I woke up around 5.30 and switched on my TV set the first thing I heard was Robert Andrew Woolmer, popularly known as Bob Woolmer is no more.WHAT? HEY! HEY! SAY IT AGAIN.This anchor has gone mad or is still drunk-thinking this 'I switched to another channel then another and then another,the same story on every channel.I ran out to collect my newspapers (HT,IE and The Pioneer),in pioneer on the front page I saw this report.Even then for next thirty minutes I kept on switching channels,and finally the sad news sank in.BUT,I am still shocked.

I as a cricket lover pay my tribute to Bob and to his service of cricket. He lived cricket in his life in various capacities and died in the service of cricket. Just like a true soldier, who sacrifices his life in the defense of his country. My sympathies are with his widow and two sons. May god rest his soul in peace and give strength to his family to bear the untimely and irreplaceable loss. AMEN!

I am, somewhat sceptical about the events and circumstances surrounding the 'death' of Bob. I can't quite digest the 'fact' as is being told that he died of massive Cardiac Arrest. Sure, it could happen to anybody any time, but still as someone who has seen it quite often and know a little about it, this seems a bit confusing.

-Bob had a heart attack, because Pakistan lost to Ireland? Ridiculous. He was a professional and successful one too, just like any another. What was his stake in Pakistan's win, except 'Reputation'? BTW he proved himself by 'couching' South Africa.

-Why would he have felt so "MUCH" when Pakistan lost and ran out of world cup, that it coasted him his life? What was his relation with Pakistan?

-Though I am not suggesting any thing, yet compelled to ask what the Pakistan factor is?

Atleast, I am neither convinced with Heart Attack theory nor with suicide. The only 'probability' could be an assinatation, by poisoning.

Who executed it? Time will only tell.

Meantime, I will keep a close watch on the things as they unfold.

Killer Cricket? No! Otherwise half of India's population would have died after a shameless defeat against Bangladesh. THIS IS SIMPLY NOT CRICKET .NOT ANY MORE.SURE.

FAREWELL BOB.

Prudent Indian.