Subhash Chandra’s googly has landed right on the money and how the BCCI and ICC play it, only time will tell. Whether or not they play it with a straight bat is up to them but gauntlet has been thrown. It is interesting that a similar experiment back in the 70s was by another media mogul Kerry Packer. So the underlying theme of TV rights is definitely one of the factors.
But more than that, what Chandra proposes does hold promise. Whether he can pull it off, time will tell. But for the BCCI, it could not have come at a worse time. With increasing discontent among players and officials, the BCCI is in its worst phase in a long time and maneuvering all this would be a challenge.
As if the existing problems were not enough, Indian cricket’s most non-controversial player Sachin Tendulkar has responded to the allegations by coach Greg Chappell and this will further make things difficult for the board. How will they address all the discontent for comments by Tendulkar cannot be taken lightly. He is not the sorts who speaks out too often and when he does, it needs to be taken seriously.
Coach Greg Chappell’s future is in definite doubt but where it heads with regards Indian cricket will be decided on April 6 when the board meets. And Subhash Chandra’s announcement will certainly add to the agenda for April 6!
Upon closer scrutiny, the ICL proposal is nothing revolutionary. It promises better administration of the game and some more glitz around the sport. How much the fans and sponsors buy into it would depend on how the BCCI responds. Will they join forces or will Chandra be forced to play revolutionary? On face value, playing along seems the best recourse, but the BCCI is not known for towing someone elses line… not even the ICC!
The ICC response is another matter for consideration and a breakaway Indian league stands to affect the ICC’s commercial standing as well. In all this, one hopes the interests of fans and players are not ignored. Tough times ahead and the action begins on April 6. And yes, the World Cup continues!