Money first…nation, cricket can wait!
By B S Bedi
Bangalore: The current crisis in the cricketing world brought about by International Cricket Council's insistence on players signing its sponsorship contract should indeed bring about the true sporting spirit among the cricketers of the world (rather 10 ICC affiliated cricket playing nations) at large.
The world governing body's chief executive Speed might have given the clarion call of "money or nation" out of ICC's selfish need of protecting its sponsor under the "ambush marketing protection" plan. But, inadvertently he has hit upon the most important emotional chord of playing for the nation.
Though cricketers of most nations - unlike some of the top Indian players - have not been affected vis-ŕ-vis the Champions Trophy or the mini World Cup at Sri Lanka, they have decided to take up cudgels keeping the World Cup 2003 in view. Money definitely is important, but is it right to say that money alone is everything in the life of a cricketer? Well, who is to bell the cat?
International cricketers may today be endorsing mega products on TV screens, hoardings, bats, clothes and where ever they find space to do so. But, shouldn't they realise that they have come to promote these products because of cricket, which has given them this ample opportunity.
The cricketers seem to have got caught in the "egg first or chicken first" syndrome, while it is plain and simple that without being "NATIONAL" cricketers they wouldn't have landed the plum sponsorship deals and offers. Under the circumstances, shouldn't they think of repaying something to the game that has taken them to such star status?
"The life of a cricketer is short and he has to make hay while the sun shines," is an oft repeated refrain. But, as human beings we know the sky or rather the space is the limit when one starts smelling money in everything one does.
Dear cricketers - especially the top Indian players - this is indeed a clarion call, please do retrospect and for the sake of the game (a religion in India) put nation before self and accept ICC's terms. After all ICC is not asking you to play for free!
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