Can Indian Premier League 2014 rise above scams?

No other edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) would have been cause for as much pressure as the seventh, set to start from April 16. For no matter how many denials the players make and irrespective of how brave they act, the dark cloud of the spot-fixing scandal will loom large over the tournament.

Last year, the cricketing world was left stunned when three Rajasthan Royals cricketers were arrested on charges of bowling in accordance with pacts reached at with bookies in lieu of cash. High ranking officials and team owners were under the scanner for betting on their own sides and a severe doze of suspicion gripped fans. Such was the impact of the scam that the all-powerful Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president – N. Srinivasan – was eventually forced to step down by the Supreme Court.

It is in these unfortunate circumstances that the IPL will be played in 2014. This tournament will be a test for all stakeholders – the players will need to reinstate fans’ faith with some clean cricket. The new administration under Sunil Gavaskar would have to take the onus and ensure that all unsavory elements stay away from the teams.

IPL 7 will have to be played on a clean slate.

After the darkest year in its history, the glitzy T20 tournament will lose some more sheen, thanks to the retirements of Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid – two of the most respected cricketers to have ever represented India. The mere presence of these two on the field would have given millions a reason to restore some more faith in the IPL.

However, once the first ball is bowled this Thursday, all the focus will indeed move back to the cricket in the middle, unless some other player decides to make a quick buck and pushes the game to further peril. But for now, the franchises have spent considerable money and energy to build strong squads and allow their players enough time to get acclimatized in the middle-east, where the first part of the league will be played, thanks to the general elections in India….

 

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