Illegal betting - a big question mark on the future of IPL?

Once the fans get fed up, it’ll spell the doom for IPL and cricket in India

First of all, it has now been clearly established that times are not in favour of Indian cricket. Only just 48 hours back, N Srinivasan was chosen to head the ICC. This came as a big relief, as the Indian cricket team is still struggling in New Zealand. But the relief was temporary.

The news of the involvement of Mr Meiyappan in illegal betting has come as a big blow. Chennai Super Kings is one of the most prominent and popular franchises of the IPL, for the simple reason that it is represented by none other than MS Dhoni, the vibrant captain of Team India. But unfortunately, Mr. Meiyappan is the team principal of CSK.

Many of the fans now feel that when the owner is himself indulged in illegal betting, how can one expect that everything remains neat and clean? It is not that everyone playing in the IPL is a suspected member of alleged fixing, but on the other hand, one cannot totally rule out the involvement of a few players. The traps set by the fixers are very lucrative and the money involved is too big to be ignored, especially for the not so successful and not so established players.

A few of the Indian players have been exemplary in their public life. Like Rahul Dravid, being the captain of Rajasthan Royals, after the involvement of Sreesanth had expressed his agony and shock. Dravid was vocal in demanding stern action against anyone found guilty – irrespective of the stature or position one holds. But cases like Dravid are rare!

The fans are bound to be really disappointed. In fact, the TRP, the endorsements, the grand scale of its coverage, the pomp and show, the prize money, the concept of awarding caps, the recognition obtained by the new talented players and above all the dedicated support to their favourite team – everything was revolving around the faith that the game play is clean and fair!

First of all, the interest and investment by the corporate world is the key factor for the success of any event like IPL. Unfortunately, once a doubt crops up, the very purpose of the investment for a handsome return is defeated. Once the interest of a common man starts fading away, the whole structure is shaken.

So what is the solution? BCCI should, without wasting a minute, come out with a complete remedial plan to restore the fans’ faith. Great legends like Gavaskar, Kapil Dev should be involved to ensure that everything remains fair.The mechanism of anti-fixing and anti-betting bodies should be stringent and the guilty should be boycotted and penalized. It is the noble duty of all concerned to come forward and save the life line of this country – cricket!