Clean Bowled

Clean Bowled _{But still batting}

Everyone would agree that The Pursuit of Happyness was one heck of a movie. The movie, even though not among the elite in IMDB, is deeply emotional and highly motivational. Something that is greater than the movie itself is the fact that it is a true story. Sadly, that story also proved that money is important for a man’s happiness.

Today we might go on echoing about following one’s passion, one’s deepest desires of the heart, blah blah blah. But the hard fact is that money is needed to meet a human’s needs. So if any person concedes his passion for the sake of himself and his dependents; that’s purely understandable. But, what’s not understandable is trading the thing which you are supposed to be passionate about in spite of having more than enough money in your kitty.

They say cricket is a game of glorious uncertainties. I doubt if it’s a game of fixed uncertainties. With the version being short, T20 was, is and will always be giving close encounters. But, with the recent rise of the spot fixing scandal more matches and players will be open to suspicion. The fact that BCCI is the richest sport organization does not help the cause either. It’s really appreciable how BCCI handled the cricket marketing over the past decade but one might wanna ask them ‘How much is enough?’

It’s a pity to note the extent of stupidity the players are baring in going for a few extra bucks via spot fixing. I mean, even if all they want is money, IPL is like a golden goose paying bucket loads every year. Spot fixing and getting caught is like killing the goose. When tempted with money some thoughtless fools are always going to fall for it. They better be ready for some tough action ‘cos BCCI has been ducking some bouncers of corruption of late and may be this time they will have to face it head on.

The call is for strict laws on fixing and betting which is very conventional. Why not go for the clear opposite. I mean, why not make betting legal? I just feel cheesy that I cannot brag this idea as my own paradigm because it’s been suggested by some already. Okay tears apart; let’s see what legal betting might bring to the game apart from money.

To start with, those who might oppose legal betting might sort the example of lottery tickets which is banned in 17 states of India. Oh yes, laws on betting are at each State’s government’s disposal. Lottery system did have an adverse effect on the middle class and the lower class. It made everyone to wait for some distant luck that never seemed to come. And also with my personal experience the state of Tamilnaldu has been doing much better without lottery. But, sports betting on the other hand, is a different ball game. Plus, horse betting and casino gambling is legal as they are considered “game of pure skill” and according to early constitution it’s legal to bet on “game of pure skill.”

No idea where that came from.

Legalizing cricket betting with modified set of rules such as

Licensing of approved bookies and betting houses.

Cap limit on the percentage of one’s income that can be placed as bets.

Levying higher tax on the winnings.

Am not qualified to give opinions on law, but, the above seem kinda good. Added to these the government can bring out certain other rules to sort out the legal ramifications involved. It will give the government extra income, the bookies will be under the radar and fixing can be reduced even though not completely eradicated.

Cricket comes pre-installed in all Indians from birth. In spite of the recent dents that cricket acquired due to spot fixing, I believe cricket craze will not diminish because when you love someone or something very much, after the storm is past, you will always overlook the bad qualities in them or those. Two best teams of this year’s IPL are facing off in today’s final. Let us hope yesterday’s controversy does not hinder the best of the best to come out on top.

Swasthika Sang