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The Inside View: Issue 7

Sunday, October 26 2003

Welcome once again to another feature packed edition of 'The Inside View'. Today's issue, ('lucky seven') goes deep inside and looks at a very different aspect of Indian Cricket.

Today's issue goes deep inside and looks at something Indian Cricket has been neglecting for a considerable amount of time. It's not fast pitches, its not decent openers or decent wicket keepers, but it's something so critical; it needs to be done and done fast.

The situation of India's cricketing facilities and stadiums is undoubtedly colourful. The vast diversity of the crowd, and the exotic sights, smells and sounds that make up that distinct flavour which is only to be classified as 'Indian' is unbelievably attractive and extremely enjoyable.

What's not too enjoyable and simply downright gruesome is the state of some of the 'International Cricket Grounds' the people of India have to endure. From shabby concrete 'seating strips' to rickety-wooden logs, the majority of Indian stadiums have not received their due makeover.

The BCCI is widely recognised as the wealthiest Board of Control in International Cricketing circles. This statement is definitely a 'no-brainer'. With such a hunger and passion for the game in India, and with revenue streaming in from left, right and centre; its no surprise that the BCCI are the world leaders when it comes to cash.

But now, it appears that the BCCI are world leaders when it comes to stupidity as well. It simply boggles the mind and is incredibly astonishing to see none of this revenue being spent for the development and improving of public facilities and features in majority of the nation's stadiums.

For a long time, India's shabby stadiums have been an object of western ridicule. With the temporary canvas roofing hoisted by pathetic bamboo sticks at the cricket ground in Indore, and the ugly looking concrete seating strips at Ahmedabad. It all has to come to an end.

While witnessing the recent test series between India and New Zealand at the Sardar Patel stadium at Ahmedabad, the Indian commentators were 'singing' with praise on how the ground has been 're-developed'. Even a four year old child could see that this ground had not been re-developed to the extent that it could've been.

From the uncomfortable looking yellow and blue seating arrangement, to the pathetic 'non-electronic' scoreboard and grotesque barbed wire fences. Ahmedabad and many other of the countries grounds really need to shape up.

There is an old mantra when it comes to work, 'if you're going to do the job, do it right'. It seems the re-development contractors, The Gujarat Cricket Association and the BCCI could not even re-develop a major International sporting venue properly.

From the shabby seating arrangements, to the poor, poor scoreboards India's stadiums remain regrettably below par despite making such advances in the technology sector throughout recent years. Even to the brown 'dusty' grass. If the BCCI has the money, where is it going?

It will be of great pride for any Indian and indeed for the BCCI to see an Indian stadium, which is up there with the likes of the MCG, SCG, Newlands and Lords in terms of facilities and attractiveness. With a few exceptions, such as Eden Gardens in Kolkata and Mohali in the province of Haryana, the entire country lacks far behind.

While the colour and sometimes 'distinct' Indian look be maintained in the stadiums, it is only for cricket's benefit if the fans benefit. The fans are the people who bring the money home to the BCCI. The fans are the people that make cricket so astronomically popular in India. Why treat the fans with such disrespect and such poor facilities?

The BCCI should evaluate their strategies on how to earn more revenue and get the most out of cricket in India. For India to be a major player financially and on the cricketing field, good facilities are paramount and ever so vital. It is still not too late, the BCCI must take action. India deserves better, the richest cricketing nation in the world deserves better and its fans certainly deserve better.

Keep your opinions and feedback coming, it is extremely important to Cricket Web and 'The Inside View'. What is your opinion about the dismal stadiums across India? What can be done? Your feedback is valued here, and its your opportunity to have your say and make the world notice. Send your feedback to sangrah.bhatia@cricketweb.net

Until Next Time,

Take Care,

Sangrah Bhatia







Posted by Sangrah