Thursday, April 9, 2009

'Outsourcing' of IPL creates Problems for Other Sporting Events in India

Indian IT industry thrives on the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) by the Western world. Like everybody, Indian IT industry is badly hit by the global recession. But Cricket in India is not at all affected by recession. On the other hand, the super-rich BCCI is out to help the cash strapped Cricket Boards across the world. This year’s IPL has been outsourced to South Africa. Who knows this trend will continue in subsequent years. Lalit Modi, the high profile IPL Chief might even invite bids from other Cricket Boards!

Shifting of IPL has been welcome by many and criticized by as many. Aussie, Kiwi, British Cricketers are happy. But players like Sachin and Pollock know that IPL wouldn’t be same without the Indian supporters in the Stadium. The team owners are not complaining but don’t seem to be overly upbeat either. Politicians have a reason to worry as they fear the focus on Election campaigns might be shifted to Television.

Lalit Modi and the IPL must be having its own reasons to get this year’s IPL edition through as per the scheduled dates that are clashing with general election. Modi, the IPL, and the Team Owners may or may not earn profits out of IPL’s sojourn to Africa. But it has created problems to other Sporting events to be held in India.

Shashank Manohar, the BCCI president has clearly blamed the Government for failing to assure security during IPL matches. This has prompted the authorities of Australian Tennis Federation to express their reservations about sending their team for Davis Cup tie to be held in May this year. Commonwealth Games, scheduled to take place in 2010 are already under the cloud as the preparations are way behind the schedule. Now, the participating countries, interestingly most of them are Cricket playing nations, have started clamoring about the security situation in the sub-continent. Recently concluded Indian Open Badminton GP in Hyderabad too was hit by he same issue as the Eglish players chose to skip it because of security concerns. India is also scheduled to host the Hockey World Cup in 2010. But the FIH president Leandro Negre while admitting that terror attacks can take place anywhere, has expressed reservations about security preparations.

All these apprehensions have gained voice because of IPL’s outsourcing. The BCCI, who successfully persuaded Peterson’s England team to continue its India tour after terrorist attack on Mumbai in November last year, is now sending wrong signals about India’s ability to fight terrorism. Sharad Pawar is ICC’s President designate and de-facto boss of BCCI. He is also a minister in central Government and aspirant for PM post after Elections. But his tacit approval for IPL outsourcing certainly raises questions about his ability to protect Indian interests.

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