The IPL Frenzy

The Indian Premier League is all about the glitz and glamour. It’s not cut out for the die-hard cricket fan that appreciates test cricket… or is it? Personally, I think its for the in between folks who are looking for the entertainment parallel of an NFL or NBA game.

(I was talking about this to my boss and he had a Kannada dialog to add, “Oottake uppinakayi idhange!” Translating: Cricket is to IPL what pickle is to full meals… hmmm…

As you can see, I find Kannada one-liners very amusing, and I’m not being sarcastic!)

I have nothing against all this glitz and glamour; it achieves its objective (which I’m assuming is to attract a wider audience and make the sport more entertaining even for the cricket novice) and has created a different environment in cricket stadiums. And without the allure of it all, you have to wonder if so many viewers would show up for these matches again and again.

The organizers want to create the illusion that they have given you your money’s worth so you’re lured back for the next game and season. They empty your pockets – so they’re happy. You have a good time – so you’re happy! What’s the problem, no problem, just confusion…

So what’s it gonna be -

Serious cricket fans or for those with a handbook on cricket?

Cheerleaders or sixers?

Fireworks or wickets?

Just say, “all of the above” and don’t debate about it. If you can’t stand the extra fittings, and only want the sport, watch it at home.

One last thing, go RCB!

Picture Comments:

Pic ondu (1) Random picture of the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore, the best I could do with my poor iPhone camera

Pic eradu (2) The wannabe cricket fans with ‘The Handbook on Cricket’ (detailed with illustrations and pictures) in one hand and ‘Cricket Field Layout’ in the other