The gradual disintegration of Asia’s King among sports

In the countries of South Asia, cricket is looked on as a cultural phenomenon, far more than just another sport. It transcends class and party politics. It evokes images of cricketing giants of the past, and draws comparisons with cricketing maestros in other parts of the world. 

Cricket is deeply intertwined with the region’s identity, and has brought us together as South Asians –India’s unexpected victory against the mighty West Indies at the World Cup 1983 was a milestone and saw the coming of age of Asian cricket. A win for a country in the region against the giants of the time became a unifying force. A source of pride to all nations in the region, with a strong emphasis on passion and emotion over pure competition. 

As in all other sports, cricket has its own specific laws as well as unwritten traditions which govern the game. Originally, the umpire’s word was law in cricket and none contested his decision. As time went by, contentious decisions by particular umpires led to modern technology usurping on-field umpires’ decisions.  

Today, the on-field umpire’s word is no longer law. At the drop of a hat ‘so-to-say’ players question umpires’ decisions -- small breakdown in discipline one might think. But one small indiscretion often leads to a complete breakdown in the spirit of the game. Today,scientific gadgets embedded in wickets and ball-tracking often overrule on-field umpire’s decisions.

Cricket has also been historically referred to as the “gentleman’s game”, with emphasis on etiquette, sportsmanship, and mutual respect among players. However, in more recent times, we the followers and fans of the game of cricket have beenwatching the tearing down of the interpretation of the term “gentlemen’s game”. More boorish forms of behaviour are seen to be taking over. We are left wondering whether the title “gentlemen’s game”still applies to today’s wielders of the willow. 

A few decades ago, Australia’s fast bowler -Dennis Lillie- attempted to kick Pakistani batsman Javed Miandad. Perhaps because  Lillee was from Australia -- one of the countries which controlled crickets governing body at that time -- no action was taken against his behaviour.

In the 1980’s, we witnessed an Indian Chief Minister banning Lankan cricketers from participating in the Indian Premier League matches in that state. Though this was blatant political interference in the sport, the Indian Board of Control made no move to take the errant state to task. The administrators remained silent.Is it that when mega dollars are at stake  -- to hell with rules and principles. 

With administrators of the game bending rules to suit particular issues,  it did not take long before players themselves followed suit. This was on full view during the finals of the recently concluded T20 ‘Asia Cup’ series held in September this year. 

Today, the on-field umpire’s word is no longer law. At the drop of a hat ‘so-to-say’ players question umpires’ decisions

After winning the toss, the Indian skipper refused to shake hands with his Pakistani counterpart. After defeating their Pakistani opponents, the Indian team refused to shake hands with members of the Pakistani team. To make matter worse,  theIndian skipper then refused to accept the ICC trophy from the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chairperson because he was also the Chairperson of the Pakistani Cricket Board.

Sadly,  neither the International Cricket Council (ICC) nor the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to question the actions of the Indian T20 skipper and his team. Surprisingly,  the ICC is said to be debating what action should be taken to ensure the Asia Cup is handed over to the BCCI to add to its collection of silverware.

No one’s speaking of the insult and disrespect paid to the great game of cricket itself. Nor is anyone taking note of the terrible example set for young players who look up to seniors as demi gods and tend to follow their example.

Rather than looking for ways and means to hand the Asia Cup to the BCCI, the ICC needs to draw up yet another set of rules governing the behaviour of administrators and players who bring shame to this once great game. Even more important -- the rule must apply to all irrespective of rank or country they come from. 

The Indian T20 team arrogantly rejected the Asia Cup when it was presented to them. They do not deserve it. The team needs to be taught a lesson in manners and etiquette. Else, cricket may soon become known as a gentlemen’s game played by rowdies.