Why the IPL can't be 'fixed'

As I’m watching the grand finale of the Indian Premier League on progress, I see and hear hues of cry from people on Facebook and all around stating that the IPL is fixed. Google searches lead me to pages which say that they have ‘inside sources’ stating the same. So, is the IPL fixed? Well, I personally don’t think that it can be fixed. Why? Read along.

The franchisee owners of IPL are all multimillionaires. Be it Shahrukh Khan or Vijay Mallya, they most certainly are not playing for money because they already have enough to feed off a dozen generations. All these owners have bought these teams with a sole aim – to win! I don’t think that they will compromise on losing just because they can get cash. Be logical. Will Vijay Mallya agree for his team to lose so that Chennai can get into the final four?

Would Multimillionaires want their team to lose willingly?

I’m from Chennai and I’m a Super Kings fan but take a hard look at facts. Do you really think that ‘three teams’ will agree to lose so that Chennai can get in? Will public figures like Shahrukh Khan or Mallya risk their reputation by participating in match fixing?

Then comes the practicality. You see, the WWE is scripted. The script matches the expectations of the crowd and creates drama. But, spontaneous real-life sports can’t be fixed. People are stating that IPL fixes these last ball finishes. Do you really think that a batsman, any batsman can hit a six in the last ball of the match willingly? At most times, it is hard to score a last ball six in video games, how come can that be fixed in real life cricket?

How does anyone fix a last ball six?

If Sir Alex Ferguson drops the in-form Nani from the starting XI, it is a mistake, if Delhi Daredevils drop Morne Morkel, it is match fixing. What Delhi did that night was a colossal mistake and if the IPL was in fact fixed, that mistake would have never taken place. Why? Simply because doing that will raise huge doubts over the allegations and if was in fact fixed, the match fixers would have never risked by doing it.

Money that we can’t even come to comprehend with is involved in the IPL through tickets, advertisement and much more. Would you really think that all these sponsors will risk their money by participating in a rigged event? If proof stating that the IPL is fixed comes out, it will lead to a major money and reputation loss for all these people and nobody would want that. If the IPL was in fact fixed, then proofs and documents proving it would have already come out in some form. But, all we have now are a bunch of rumors and conspiracy theories.

Loads of people love Manchester United but they are not claiming that the EPL is fixed just because Manchester City won the league in the last minute of a year long season. Sport in general is exciting and spontaneous, so, why not enjoy it rather than question it?