Cricket and Politics ....

Sad State of Affairs
The confusion always persists in my mind whether to enjoy the game or believe in what people say if the matches are all fixed etc etc nevertheless I was a cricketer myself(used to play middle order bat and a leg spinner) during school days. The demi God status cricketers enjoy and the pots of dough that flows in have really made the people who are involved in the game crazy specially the ones who are behind the game such as organisers,selectors,members of cricket boards and clubs.I have heard so much about the politics and the cut throat competions in the game which is as good as the politics in my field viz Film Industry.But it really hit me when I had to witness it myself and especially when someone from our own family has become a victim to the merciless,ruthless politics in the game.

Recently there was a state selection process to select good talents for the state of Tamilnadu in which one of my nephews had taken active part.Time and again the 14 and a half year old guy has been proving his excellence and talent by his flawless batting and useful bowling and he has been treasuring the newspaper cuttings and reviews that vouch for his promise and talent.This time there was a huge camp organised for this purpose and he too,took part with immense interest and expectation.His game again was amazing and he was in great form as well and he really won the appreciations for his style,power and intelligent game.There was a selection match after the initial level of filtering people in which he was selected too.This guy was the top scorer in the two day test match and the newspapers brought that out too the very next day.His parents,friends,coach and all others were more than just sure about him being a part of the selected lot and were sure that no recommendations from ministers or MLA's or MP's or Counsillor's or ward members or cardholders of any political party was required as the guy had proven his worth himself....

Then came the most shocking news.All the aforementioned people's assumptions and beliefs had gone topsy turvy...His name was not even in the city level and much to the surprise people who had scored lesser than 10 runs were in the selected list.The guy was shattered beyond words and it took so many days to console him about the harsh realities of life..... People who read my blog might think that I am provoked and disturbed only because this attrocity that has taken place to my nephew but the fact is there are lots and lots of such people who have been overshadowed and engulfed in the politics of the game who might have become another Sachin ,Rahul,Saurav or Yuvaraj...Politics from the grassroot level is eating up the game ....

Despite all this initial slaughtering, the guy still loves the game more than anything,continues his net practices,fitness exercises and enjoying our Indian teams performance at the 20-20 world cup,hoping that he would be given a chance again.......sooner or later.....