With South Africa now allowing five of its players to participate in the IPL, putting it above the needs of its series against Bangladesh, the option is being presented as if there is no other option. file | photo credit: AFP
The question is formed incorrectly. When the choice is between country and club, ethical dimensions complicate the issue. Patriotism enters the equation, and no one, least of all professional sportsmen, likes to be called non-patriotic. ‘Club or Country’ is a wrong choice, as the answer is obvious. Especially for those who stay away from sports.
It is easy for outsiders, who have nothing at stake, to write or speak as if money doesn’t matter and any sportsman can give his family a good standard of living or secure his future. does not give
With South Africa now allowing five of its players to participate in the IPL, putting it above the needs of its series against Bangladesh, the option is being presented as if there is no other option.
CSA’s practical move
Cricket South Africa took a pragmatic decision. It had an understanding with its players’ body (South African Cricketers’ Association) that it would provide players with the required No Objection Certificate (NOC) to play in the IPL. The governing body doesn’t have that kind of money to ensure the financial security of its players. There is also the matter of 10% of the IPL salary of the players getting to all the boards.
Few cricket boards can afford to ignore the moolah from the IPL. You could argue that it could be treason for players to turn down offers as it would affect cricket in their own countries.
And so on to the question of patriotism. I’ve always been uneasy about mixing sports and patriotism, even though pop psychologists point out that it’s an outlet for passion that might otherwise be spent on the battlefield.
The singing of the national anthem at medal ceremonies, forced nationalism for goals scored in international matches, artificial feelings created by nation versus nation create an image for sport that it struggles with.
Finally, politicians and television moguls earn more from sports than sportspersons. So when players get a chance to secure their future, it is foolish to deny it.
Settlement
It is becoming increasingly clear that a compromise will soon have to be found if traditional cricket is not to suffer. If players don’t get a chance, they will leave international cricket and focus on their retirement funds.
According to cricket writer Firdous Monda, a South African playing the IPL would earn more from the tournament this season than he would earn as a nationally contracted player for 13 years. Traitor or not, it is certainly not wise to choose one over the other. Game’s career remains uncertain; Injuries, poor form, poor selection could bring him down prematurely.
Cricket boards will simply have to be practical and ensure – officially or unofficially – that no major international series is scheduled during the IPL. Even those who see the IPL as something of an evil must acknowledge that it is a useful, perhaps even a necessary evil, given the state of the game in the rest of the world.
It can be uncomfortable to let market forces decide the future of sport. If the market is left to decide, we will have three countries playing themselves and the game will come to a standstill. If the International Cricket Council is keen to see the game flourish around the world, it has to accept that the IPL is a significant source of finance.
The catch so far has been that although it does a lot for the individual player, it doesn’t do that much for the game.
money for development
As a Redemption To ensure that the IPL is always at full strength, the ICC may start discussions with the Board of Control for Cricket in India on how it can earn some money for its development work. IPL should not become such a big tree that it does not allow anything to grow in its shadow.
It is a colossal monster that makes international cricket feel weak and small. Players all over the world welcome it for obvious reasons. Cricket boards also welcome this, but more reluctantly, and with a growing fear that it is causing them to lose control of their players.
However, the power of IPL cannot be denied. With slight adjustments from the BCCI, ICC and national cricket boards, it could be a force for good – allowing the best players to make top money while funding the development of the game.
The red ball and the white ball co-exist on the field; It is in the board rooms that they find accommodation difficult. Former Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara called for a balance. It may not be a perfect balance, but it is a necessary balance.
When there is a club, it should not be a club or a country And The country is more inclusive. And possible.