Ah! Here comes India's annual festival! And like most of our festivals, this one doesn't occur on the same date every year. But unlike other festivals, this one isn't ancient. In fact, it just turned 10 years old.
Yes, I am talking about the decennial celebration of the world's first-ever T20 league, the IPL. And as we gear up to welcome this festival once more, I can only ponder and exclaim in wonder at the lightning-speed at which this phenomenon has spread across the world.
Even the most hardcore Test cricket purist will have to admit, albeit forcefully, that T20 cricket has struck a chord with a fan from every age-group. The IPL has simply amplified this in our over-populated, cricket-crazy nation.
There is a second side to this coin, though. The glitz and instant glamour of this world has left the door open for the unfortunate practice of match-fixing and rendezvous with bookies having criminal tendencies.Young players get instantly attracted to such short-term infatuations, as was seen with some young players in 2013.
Even though this problem cannot entirely be sidelined, a more efficient administration can help restrict such incidents from occurring. What may not be under the control of these good administrators, and is a good thing, is the impact the IPL has on Indian cricket, largely. More players are being produced by the IPL than the traditional first-class establishment. The IPL is also a vital test of form for already-established players. On a much broader spectrum, it has established India as a financial superpower, which is an unprecedented phenomenon. Never before did India see itself as a truly global frontrunner.
So, as India gears up to welcome what was described as "the best cricket league in the world" by RCB captain Virat Kohli, I hope this season throws up some unexpected surprise packages. I hope that it inspires the same amount of confidence in players and fans alike. So, let the celebrations be on a different level altogether! Because, as it was said by the IPL promoters themselves, "Yeh Das Saal Aapke Naam".
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