Cricket is supposed to be religion in India. Such a statement should explain why many would choose to be, and to forever remain, avowed atheists. What is so very divine in an individual (or a dozen others) who has a certain skill set in one particular game, employs it to gain huge monetary gains for himself, often shrewdly plays up to the 'system' in the game, and to the larger establishment that be, so that he gets to be an M.P., never attends even then any parliamentary sessions, yet manages to land a Bharat Ratna by placating the right people at the right time!
Such people perfectly very well know which side their bread is buttered. They would hence criticise, too, in the politically correct way, even if huge corruption every which way would be rampant in their own field. They would not dare utter a single word against such bosses as repercussions would be imminent and obvious in the selection process. As if the monetary gains in the field are not enough, they are advertisement gurus' favourites, too, gaining contracts to the advantage of everyone involved!
What indeed is divine in players who directly/indirectly participate in the baiting process? Why call such convenient and dicey adjustment with the status quo the "gentleman's game!"?
I would call it a " Ladies' Game'' though. Why? Just to contrast the men (and main!) cricketers with the Indian Women's cricket team. Look at the achievements of the Ladies' Cricket team. They are about to create history. No hysteria is whipped up though by the media about their genuine, sincere contribution to the game. All is quiet on the cricket establishment front!
Slightly better it is this time though, it must be admitted. Mostly, it is the social media which has risen up to the occasion. There ARE a few reels making rounds. WhatsApp groups are providing support to the young ladies. Despite the obvious gender prejudices and biases so very obviously apparent, here is wishing them success. Hope their skill sets alone (Who is anyways going to bait on women's cricket?) would do India proud the ladies' way!
Pratima@ Unfortunately, however, it is the religious conversion by Jemima Rodrigues' father which is more a debate on the social media. He was wrong as per the 'secular' framework. Yet the game should be ruled by the genuine contribution by the player, and not by extraneous considerations such as the antics of the player's papa!
