[Archive Blog (10/10/15)] Darkest Night is back, Match interfered due to Crowd Disturbance in Cuttack

March 13, 1996 India vs. Sri Lanka : 1st Semifinal of World Cup 1996 in Kolkata. People was expecting a great game of cricket and of course Kolkata was a great venue of a exciting counter. Both Teams were charged up at one hand India wants to regain the trophy after 13 years on its own soil at the other hand young gun wants to show their talent in a grandest stage. Whatever happened throughout the match was a concern of Cricket, how pitch played how it behaved, how players played is a matter of cricket and everything is noted down in a history book. The concern thing was the outcome of the match which not only shaken the International Cricket but also stunned Indian Cricket and most importantly India.

No one ever thought that, can spectator make things worst ? Still we have a picture in our mind where at one end India kneel downing in front of Muralitharan, Jayasuriya, Dharmasena kinda bowlers at the other hand Vinod Kambli holding the nerve and playing probably one of his testing knocks. Wickets was tumbling down and crowd’s anger was rising up, after the fall of 8th wicket when India was needed plenty more to reach into the finals, people’s anger cross over their head and they start throwing plastic bottles, posters and whatever they were holding a huge brawl broke up in a stands. Those days people switched off TV when Tendulkar got out but what would people do whosoever were present in a stands? Tony Greig’s Live Commentary and Pictures was enough to say that something went wrong in a grandest stage and entire World saw that. Vinod Kambli shown crying in the field probably that would be the only match people will remember his appearance. Although only he can explain why he was crying ? Is it because India not able to complete the match or he not ables to bat !!

No one knows for what people start rioting ? Whether they were frustrated against India’s poor performance or they didn’t liked Sri Lanka’s brilliance that day. Whatever the cause it was probably would be the blackest day in the cricketing field of India. But as many scholars says “History will repeat one day” and it did, date was 05th of October 2015, Venue Cuttack. India playing one of the most toughest battle both out and inside the field. At one hand BCCI has been criticized because of carrying allegations of corruption and conflicts of interest, and at the other hand India’s poor display of cricket even in Home. India was playing its 2nd T20 of the series against South Africa and India must win to keep the series alive but it didn’t happened infact India played so poorly that match would end earlier then its actual ending time if Crowd disturbance won’t happened.

Although people blew their frustration and anger at the Cricket Stadium but the important thing that entire nation got embarrassed once again. If we’re putting cricket on our priority, if we have a utter respect for our players then why we broke and didn’t digest defeat ? Infact match was against South Africans we cheer for same South Africans when they plays for the IPL, then suddenly what happened ? Surely no one ables to decode by now. India vs. South Africa is also termed as “Gandhi – Mandela Series” and both of their lives are the prime example of “Peace”. Peace which has won lots of fights and wars without hurting anyone, Gandhi and Mandela both had their own struggle and challenges for the Nation but they put their Guns and Swords aside and remain in a path of honesty and Peace. Eventually we forget the morale of both greats in a greatest battle of Cricket.

Eventually next match of this series is in Kolkata and I hope CAB is fully prepared to overcome any unfortunate circumstances since its a matter of our country’s respect and dignity also there is no place of violence in Cricket field thats why it considered as a gentleman’s game. Hence even people should respect both moment of joy and emotions on defeat and respect the best of the day.

[Archive Blog (25/09/15)]Tribute to Jagmohan Dalmiya : Men behind Brand “BCCI”

Past Sunday we lost a entrepreneur who gave a new heights to the Cricket in India, who gave us a Corporate Society on which we are proud of, A society which establishes ourself as a “Superpower” and it becomes one of the gems of India. All the credits to the man called Jagmohan Dalmiya without him I think we never got addicted to the Cricket.

We people have a tendency to get affectionate with a brand either it is from Pen – Pencil to Electronics Devices, Moto Bikes to Airlines, Mobile Networks to TV Networks or even a small hotel down to the nook of some road where we took a sip of morning or evening tea with snacks. We follows our heart & loves to be a part of it. Same love force us to call “Cricket is my Favorite Sport” despite of Hockey to be considered as our National Game written somewhere officially.

Context to bringing topic on brands are very simple there would be no Cricket if BCCI won’t adopt the corporate entity, may be struggle to make profit, at the end of the day the entire system would be perish too. Many Governing sports bodies which are running by politicians or businessman’s over the decades are struggling and failed to create stars of the genre. Passionate sports personals of different different genre paying from their own pocket to practice and looking to qualifying for big stage. Means neither Sports Authority cares about their star players effort nor anyone is there to cheer up for the particular sports and its players.

BCCI bought contract and pension policy for Current and Past Players and Umpires under the leadership of Jagmohan Dalmiya, means full of professionalism a sought of agreement that BCCI cares about their players and officials. Technically BCCI is a private body and nothing to do with Indian Govt. as they don’t have any supremacy. So BCCI have to think and do for BCCI XI (Team India) which make sense, any firm can’t be driven without its talent they needs to take care of each and every aspect of their contracted person.

Not only Jagmohan Dalmiya carries the legacy to make BCCI “A Golden Bird” he also helped South Africa to returns into the Cricket and make sure Bangladesh to won the Test status. 2 things which was never easy infact India’s political relationship with South Africa and Bangladesh too was not that strong. Probably it would be the magic of true efforts of Jagmohan Dalmiya and prayers of Nelson Mandela, series between India and South Africa become reality. Kolkata “Home of Cricket” in India witness the first odi with a massive crowd of 100,000 at Edens.

Ali Bacher administrator of then United Cricket Board of South Africa want broadcasting of this historic series in South Africa he suggested Dalmiya to make sure of it those days DD used to have a moral broadcasting rights of Cricket in India. Bacher’s 1 suggestion Dalmiya sees the opportunity and BCCI got the wings to fly, Dalmiya and Bindra won the legal battle against DD in 93 until 95 DD have to pay a amount to cover Cricket in India before it was free means DD used to pay nothing. After that Pubcaster lost that “Constitutional Rights Holder” tag too when Supreme Court declared that BCCI is a commodity owner and they can sold the broadcasting rights to highest bidder.

Such ruling was a big relief for BCCI & Dalmiya which ensured BCCI’s income. Dalmiya is a 1 such guy who believes to grab the opportunity no matter whatsoever he always had a cool head which sees opportunity to hit. We never have so many private sports broadcaster or never have such a tough competition to grab Cricket rights. During Dalmiya’s prime time atleast competition was tough, now we can say game is behind the selective face and known names.

Dalmiya knows to win battles behind the doors silently, bringing the 1996 World Cup “Home” (Indian Subcontinent) was the turning point of his career, he twists the Lord’s tail by beating England from hosting the Worldcup with the help of then BCCI’s President Madhavrao Schindia to secured the hosting rights. Altough Countries of Indian Subcontinent carry forward the fear of terrorism those days Sri Lanka was facing terrified moments. Dalmiya supported Sri Lankan hosting by creating Unified Team of India & Pakistan as “Wills XI” to play goodwill matches. Tournament become a big commercial success and we witness the emerging Sri Lanka as a World Champions.

Dalmiya is not the one who should be credited to give “Brand BCCI” he also should be remembered to give “Commercialization in ICC” although Dalmiya failed to become ICC Chief (ICC Chairman) for the first time but destiny holds something else he did become ICC Chief (ICC President) in 1997. 3 notable things he did in his tenure first helping Bangladesh to host the first ever “ICC Knockout Trophy”, second bringing Worldcup’s under ICC’s umbrella before host nation used to earn by hosting Worldcup by all the commercial routes. By this ruling ICC got reasons to cheer as they comes into the play by selling commercial rights, third and most important supporting Bangladesh for Test Status, he not only sealed it but also let India to become their first opponents in big level competition since 2000 as BCCI constantly touring Bangladesh ever since although never hosted them in past 15 years.

Jagmohan Dalmiya was not bold enough like other entrepreneurs nor he was a fine speaker but people who’re close enough to him knows very well that he had a great sharp mind and ability to see future, he never blow trumpet on anything nor on his accomplishment towards the Cricket but at end of the day he was the player of his own ground who played a lots of match winning Innings for Cricket. It is very easy to do business on Diamonds but difficult to search Diamonds. Dalmiya may not able to see “Gandhi – Madella Series” but quite sure both India and South Africa will gave us a memorable series by Tributing Mr. Jagmohan Dalmiya.

He may not with us now but his contribution towards Cricket will be forever known and his legacy will stand tall forever.

[Archive Blog (23/08/15)] Legends Retirement – End of an Era

Week started with a Legendary Retirements of Kumar Sangakkara and Michael Clarke both were started their career in 2 different era but ended at the same era. Both are the idol of World Cricket may not be toppest most superstars but they atleast registered themselves in Historic book. I can’t judge their glamorous presence Clarke even had a controversy way back which is not a idol time to raise but overall whatever they was in the cricketing field matters most.

Kumar and Michael ended in a 2 opposite characteristics side, 1 was too dominate and won’t hesitate to bully others another one was silent attacker, you will never feel Sri Lankan Teams presence if they play fairly but always creates controversy when they tries to fox teams.

Obviously players would adopt the same characteristics of the Team but when you see Michael Clarke he’s believed on what he think is right even took a retirement before anyone could raises a finger on him.

Australians will always have 2 concerns 1st is Worldcup and 2nd is Ashes and despite of successfully leading the side in CWC 15, Clarke will carry the Tag of loosing Ashes. Wondering how long Clarke would go if Australia won the Ashes he might planned something else for that.

Coming to Sanga his last ever Worldcup was kind of run machine for him Century after Century even his last T20 Worldcup where he played a match winning knock to knockout India was a tremendous effort. But after Worldcup I think Sanga had enough probably for him its a right time to take some rest we may see him in T20 leagues.

Every year Cricket loosing some great Superstars from Cricket field they not only was a best sellers for ground ticket but also a plus for the Broadcasters, although we can’t stick with the time we have to move on but we have to agree with that its almost impossible to fill the gap of those players.

Each one of us having 1 dream player in mind we want that person to play till we last if he/she left the field means definition of that game is over, may be because he/she’s the one we get attracted towards the game hence our definition starts or end on that name. Many talented player although tries to fill the hanged shoes and they become quite successful too but I don’t think people will forget their last hero so easily.

We will miss all such greats and even thanks for their career and the memory they provided us, those breathe taking moments can’t be forgettable ever, those superb batting, bowling, fielding efforts will always be memorise us and excite us and will be in our mind and every enthusiasts will keeps on checking those on whatever modes its available.

Ending a career and starting a new one is just a start or end of an 1 chapter like we used to have in our schools, colleges it will be a never ending process until and unless game lasting with us, face will be change but the legacy will remain forever with the player, after the player.