The spectators of live T20 matches of the IPL Season 2 this year, will not have to battle the hordes, nor suffer the incredible heat of the Indian summer, rather they will enjoy the lush green English countryside and the cool climate of the Emerald Isle. With the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) declaring its willingness to host the IPL this year it does appear that this will be the case this year. So why is all the disappointment and dismay being expressed in the cricket news as regards this? After all, not much is going to change for the fans, the franchisees or the players, surely?

 

The Journey from Indian to International Premier League

 

Gate receipts were one area where people were anticipating losses. However, with the large Indian Diaspora in England, spectators to watch the live matches will hardly be a problem. Add to this the fact that this year, there are several high profile English players swelling the ranks of the IPL teams, which will make it all the more attractive for the British people.  Another worry was the time difference; however it would seem that that won’t be a problem at all since 11 am and 3 pm GMT fits in neatly with 4 and 8 pm IST.

Although many in international cricket and even more so in the political arena are rushing to call this a national shame, it is no such thing. Let’s get some perspective here! It is merely that due priority is being given to something that should rightly have precedence. The elections and the democratic process are far more important than a sport which is admittedly a national passion, but nevertheless is a means of entertainment and a money spinner for business houses.

What is however undeniable is that this year’s Indian Premier League will be minus the spectacle, the atmosphere, the sheer energy that accompanies all international cricket in the subcontinent. As Tendulkar says, the fans are obviously going to be disappointed, since as he says, “it would be difficult to replicate the atmosphere”.

Add to this the fact that the whole concept of city or regional teams like the Delhi team, the Kolkata team, the Bangalore team, Chennai and Mumbai teams will be negated. It is also a fact that TV viewers will be seeing banner advertising of a foreign country and not Indian products during the live telecast of the matches, which will surely lessen impact.

Well it remains to be seen how successful the Non Resident Indian Premier League is this year!

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3.25 Copyright (C) 2007 Alain Georgette / Copyright (C) 2006 Frantisek Hliva. All rights reserved."

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