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IPL a ‘super’ hit, say cricket fans |
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4/25/2008 10:00:19 AM |
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The Indian Premier League Twenty20 tournament being run by the cash-rich Board of Control for Cricket in India is just one-week old. But the initial interest generated is enough indication that the mega event, backed by Bollywood actors, has all the ingredients of being a box office success.
Though major international news agencies boycotted the event owing to a dispute with organisers, the action-packed extravaganza, which started with a world-record breaking 158 by New Zealand’s Brendon McCullum, has already produced some sensational cricket.
Following the successful completion of the Twenty20 World Cup, the interest generated so far by IPL shows that the new format is here to stay. In the UAE too, the event has the enthusiastic backing from the administrators, players and fans alike. All of them remain positive about IPL and its future.
Mazhar Khan, Administrator, Emirates Cricket Board, said: “It is a great event. I was lucky to attend the opening ceremony in Bangalore. It was a treat to watch McCullum’s innings. That innings was just out of the world. IPL is already a super hit. The crowd response was really good. One interesting aspect is that more and more ladies and kids are interested in the game and are now glued to television. Eventually these Twenty20 games have to move out to different places to sustain its popularity.”
Dilawar Mani, President, Abu Dhabi Cricket Council, too felt the event is being conducted in a good fashion. “I watched some of the matches. It is fantastic entertainment. It is great to watch. It was extremely well managed and displayed on television. I am not aware of the returns to the investors. But as a spectator and a cricket fan I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. It is also good watching the legends playing. For example, the other day we saw Glenn McGrath and Mohammad Asif open bowling for the Delhi Daredevils. Perhaps they might be the best opening combination in the game now. It is a treat to watch them and players like Shane Warne. Same way, the McCullum-innings was simply awesome. I missed Sehwag’s rapid fire 94, but I love to watch him play any time.”
Mani is also optimistic that Abu Dhabi too would get an opportunity to stage international Twenty20 matches in the future: “The format is here to stay as England too showed interest in staging Twenty20 tournaments. In Abu Dhabi too we would like to host such international matches.”
Saqib Ali, the UAE cricket captain, too felt the IPL matches were worth watching. “It is too early to predict a winner here. In Twenty20 matches, even two overs can change the entire complexion of the game. Among the innings I watched, I liked the way McCullum played. It was not an easy wicket to bat on. There was early swing and movement. Considering all those aspects, I think he played a superb innings. Among the matches I liked the most was the one between Rajasthan Royals and Kings XI Punjab. The Rajasthan team were the underdogs, but Shane Watson and Ravindra Jadeja played well to earn them victory.”
Mohamed Lokhandwala of Dubai Cricket Council said IPL is a good concept. “Before the tournament there was some apprehension about the response from the audience. Now the response seems to be good. I think it is a good opportunity for the Indian domestic players. Even lesser known players are getting an opportunity to rub shoulders with international stars. Some good performances here would help them to book their place in the Indian Twenty20 team, and may be in the one-day international team. Players are also getting good money. On the negative side, I think the show is being run by the entertainment industry. The focus has been shifted to glamour, film stars and cheer leaders.” Former UAE player Shahzad Altaf, now a renowned coach, too is excited with the Twenty20 experience. “Sourav Ganguly is my favourite player. I would like his team to win the title. So me and my family are supporting the Kolkata team. Players are getting good money and encouragement.” Shahzad would also like to see some Twenty20 matches for the veterans.
The cricket fans are also happy with the new visual experience. Anil Kumar, a Dubai-based doctor, said: “I haven’t watched all IPL matches live. The ones I have watched were really interesting. There was not even a dull moment during those matches.”
Another cricket enthusiast, Nanda Kumar, who works as regional Finance and Admin Manager of SriLankan Airlines in Dubai, though happy with IPL, raises some concerns too. “Although T20 in general has generated a new-found enthusiasm among spectators, I personally feel it will be shortlived as this will not generate the same passion among the spectators as we see when the national teams play against each other. The huge money involved in these games may detract the international players from their national duties.
“IPL is looking more of a carnival and I honestly doubt whether all these international players will be able to give 100 per cent efforts which they give in international matches. It is certainly fun to watch but it can never replace the spirit and excitement of ODIs and Tests. There is no doubt that money will rule the game totally. One plus point is that many of the young upcoming Indian players can learn a lot from the international players by sharing their dressing room; a lot of tips could be taken.”
Abu Dhabi-based Ramesh Menon, Technical Officer, Total, said: “IPL is a great fusion of talents and as it progress we all can learn a lot from it. I mean those who closely follow cricket or for that matter any sport from a management perspective. Most of the foreign players are excellent professionals and the way they blend with senior and juniors, is really an object of study. See the way Ricky Ponting came and complemented Ishant Sharma on his first ball wicket of Rahul Dravid! There, only true game and sportsmanship prevailed. There is no Australia or India. And no tension for the viewers. Imagine, the experience Virat Kohli, Piyush Chawla, Ravindra Jadeja and the others gain by the time they finish this tournament. It’s all for good.”
For a final verdict, let us wait till June 1. |
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Source: Khaleejtimes.com |
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