Mega cricket event Indian Premier League (IPL) has deen hijacked out of India. The mega event generated INR 91 Crore (~20Million USD) in the form of tax last year. Contribution to travel, hospitality, fashion industry etc. must have been significant as well. In addition to aiding economic growth it gave new dimension to Indian Cricket and was (is) certainly a national pride. Unwillingness to provide adequate security to host this event is appaling and citing reasons of elections in India can not be comprehended. It would be like saying foreign ambassadors/tourists/journalists not to come to India as they won't be adequately protected because of elections. Worse so, we would be playing in the hands of evil terrorist elements. This is precisely what they are looking for.
There should not be any denial that terrorists attacks are aimed not only to create Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt (FUD*) and havoc in public mindset but also to dampen the economic resurgence. Aftermath 26/11 terrorists attack in Bombay, it was perceived that Bombay and largely India is not a safe place for foreign tourists. The ongoing England ODIs were canceled casting shadow on the IPL to be taken place in Apr.-May 2009. Shifted test match in Chennai was an astounding success. This Chennai test match will always be remembered for the courage shown by touring english team to travel to Chennai than Sachin's test hundred. Successful organization of a test match with english team touring had a hope that the things will be restored sooner than later. It demonstrated the will to host upcoming commonwealth games in 2010 and Cricket World Cup in 2011. It took a message to the terrorists and to the world that "Come what may, we'll stand and we'll stand tall".
It was very important to carry this momentum, the self belief and successful organization of the IPL would have testified the same. The dynamics in the sub continent became hugely complicated because of terrorists attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore and the announcement of the impending parliamentary election schedule in India. Situation that seemed crisis was (is) a definite opportunity for India. The attack on Sri Lankan cricketers meant the entire cricket establishment is vulnerable and a successful organization of a mega event like IPL would have been a definite credit to the security forces. The successful organization of IPL along with smooth elections would have sent very strong signals to the world saying "We have the will to combat and rise and we'll never blink".
Sadly though it seems there is no willingness in the government to rise to the occasion and take tough stand. Home minister urging the postponement of IPL has to understand that although elections can't be postponed to later dates, international cricket schedule needs to be respected as well. The postponement of the IPL hence is not a viable solution. Media bits say that all the states except Maharashtra and Andhra pradesh are willing to provide security for the event. Doesn't it make sense for the center to intervene and understand the concerns of these states? Can't they contribute to bolster the system to support the event? Can't IPL be a bit more patient in their talk with the home department? Can't we stand united in this hour of crisis (a classic opportunity) and showcase the Indian might? Is it too difficult?
___________________________________________________________________________________There should not be any denial that terrorists attacks are aimed not only to create Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt (FUD*) and havoc in public mindset but also to dampen the economic resurgence. Aftermath 26/11 terrorists attack in Bombay, it was perceived that Bombay and largely India is not a safe place for foreign tourists. The ongoing England ODIs were canceled casting shadow on the IPL to be taken place in Apr.-May 2009. Shifted test match in Chennai was an astounding success. This Chennai test match will always be remembered for the courage shown by touring english team to travel to Chennai than Sachin's test hundred. Successful organization of a test match with english team touring had a hope that the things will be restored sooner than later. It demonstrated the will to host upcoming commonwealth games in 2010 and Cricket World Cup in 2011. It took a message to the terrorists and to the world that "Come what may, we'll stand and we'll stand tall".
It was very important to carry this momentum, the self belief and successful organization of the IPL would have testified the same. The dynamics in the sub continent became hugely complicated because of terrorists attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore and the announcement of the impending parliamentary election schedule in India. Situation that seemed crisis was (is) a definite opportunity for India. The attack on Sri Lankan cricketers meant the entire cricket establishment is vulnerable and a successful organization of a mega event like IPL would have been a definite credit to the security forces. The successful organization of IPL along with smooth elections would have sent very strong signals to the world saying "We have the will to combat and rise and we'll never blink".
Sadly though it seems there is no willingness in the government to rise to the occasion and take tough stand. Home minister urging the postponement of IPL has to understand that although elections can't be postponed to later dates, international cricket schedule needs to be respected as well. The postponement of the IPL hence is not a viable solution. Media bits say that all the states except Maharashtra and Andhra pradesh are willing to provide security for the event. Doesn't it make sense for the center to intervene and understand the concerns of these states? Can't they contribute to bolster the system to support the event? Can't IPL be a bit more patient in their talk with the home department? Can't we stand united in this hour of crisis (a classic opportunity) and showcase the Indian might? Is it too difficult?
* To my knowledge, the origin of the term FUD is related to business. The term was coined by IBM in the 1970s to undermine the credibility of its competitors.
3 comments:
By googling chennai test i got this:
Reportedly there were five deputy commissioners, three assistant deputy commissioners, 25 assistant commissioners, 80 inspectors, 170 sub inspectors and 600 policemen in other ranks from city police, 75 armed reserve police personnel and 80 commandos from swift action group of city police and Tamil Nadu commando force and CRPF commandos deployed at the MAC Stadium in Chennai.
If you count the manhours and the cost involved then the 96 Cr would be peanuts. So the argument that IPL is profitable to the govt ( providing this kind of security cover ) doesn't hold good. Also compared to the kind of wastage of funds that happens in failed govt. schemes, 100 Cr is no big deal. I really wonder why should the govt spend its resources on a "nautanki" when a few rich make some crores at the end of the show. I think we would be able to prevent some more attacks had this kind of manpower ( close to 1000 men ) are deployed in conducting mock security exercises/ surprise checks in railways stations etc., across the nation. Coming to nation pride , blinking, etc., I think it is better to be cautious in a fragile security situation than stressing out our security personnel during elections. Apart from an occasional RDX seize near New Delhi railway station , I haven't come across any operation that busted a major terrorist attack in areas outside J & K. The chennai test under unprecedented security cover was just and sufficient reply to the terrorists,after the mumbai attacks.Holding IPL under intense security across multiple venues is similar to American invasion of Iraq in the name of Iraqi freedom, while all the time it was just about providing security to Exxon Mobil and shell & co , so that they could easily pump oil out of Iraq.
(Sri)Charan alias Cheeru,
1. You can levy IPL for the security expenses. Government need not shell out from it's own pocket. I believe IPL would still be profitable. In fact, Government should leverage IPL to prepare themselves for bigger events like forthcoming commonwealth games and Cricket WC 2011.
2. The security force's task is indeed arduous. Nobody gives them credit for the mishaps they prevent but we do highlight the lapses when security fails. Success stories of the security forces seldom come out. I can't believe that terrorist elements have 100% success rate.
3. In the eco-system we live, richer will be richer. Crux is to make a decent amount of profits flow to the poor. Events like IPL do aid in that respect. If India does not hold IPL, somebody else will and they will benefit. But, ultimate loser will be India. Not only in terms of money but in terms of pride as well.
4. Honestly, I could not understand the link between US invasion in Iraq and India supporting IPL.
To add to the point, only 2 states seem to have problem. All other states are ready to provide the security, why? Elections in India are phase based and in such event there is no reason why we can't keep the show running else where. I frankly do not see the problem.
When China organized Olympics last year, there were some local elements opposing it saying money could be used elsewhere. Only a few would appreciate, it's not only about money but about making a statement and building self pride as well.
Btw, How is ur PhD in Houston coming along? Any breakthrough??
Missing u over coffee in IMEC...
Guru
I am glad that some columnist have similar thoughts:
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/hit-wicket/439007/1
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