- Cricket is no less than a religion in India would be tantamount to an understatement. Such is the popularity, following, reach, and passion for cricket in India that every one of us would consider no less than an expert on the game. Try arguing with any cricket buff on intricate matters. Of course, the introduction of the extremely popular Indian Premier League (IPL) T20 cricket format has not only transformed how the game is played in India but also the whole cricketing world at large. The razzmatazz, buzz, glitz, glamour, and canvas of the IPL have ensured the league is considered as one of the richest in the whole sporting world. Little wonder, big business houses are lining up to sponsor the highly competitive but entertaining league big time.
PC: CricTracker
- The amount of money involved in the league is mind-boggling to say the least. None of the top cricketers would wish to take leave for the duration of the league, even if it entails them skippingnational duties. Several cricketers have retired from international cricket but wish to ply their trade in the IPL. That’s the allure of the league, with lucrative contracts on offer for the deserving. And whenever the season kicks off for the IPL, the clamour for tickets to experience in-stadia entertainment reaches fever-pitch. Not only the cricket crazy fans, but also people in power, wish to lay their hands on the much sought-after tickets to soak in the electrifying atmosphere and edge-of-the-seat thrilling entertainment guaranteed during the entire duration.
PC: India TV News
- As reported recently, the politicians in Karnataka made an unusual but open demand for complimentary tickets whenever the matches are played at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The issue garnered tremendous traction across the country since the elected representatives made unabashed claims for free tickets. The sense of entitlement pervading among the elected representatives came to the fore when demands were placed with the Karnataka State Cricket Association office bearers. Amid criticism by common people struggling to get bonafide tickets even after paying high premium rates, Karnataka Dy CM announced that legislators will be provided a quota of complimentary tickets for cricket matches.
PC: India Today
- Under the arrangement, MLAs will receive three free tickets for the IPL matches and two free tickets for international matches. They will also be allowed to purchase an additional ticket for international matches. This begs the question of why our legislators should be treated differently from the common citizens. One must also worry about how the cricket associations will be bombarded with demands for complimentary tickets from different agencies/quarters. After all these paraphernalia demands are met, what will be left out for genuine cricket fans is anybody’s guess. No wonder the whole country felt aghast at the sense of entitlement shown by the Karnataka legislators, with the social media buzzing incessantly. Powers-that-be, you see.
