Whose IPL ??

1. Most of the Indian Middle Class loved IPL and a larger percentage are ready to defend Modi. Now is it because of our battered egos ? Because for all these years we don't have any thing to boast about in comparison with an EPL or NBA or NFL ? IPL with its growing might, clout and the crazy dollar auctions gave a boost to flaunt 'Brand India'. So is it our underlying consciousness supporting Modi because he gave us a chance to feel proud?
2. Why auctions are in dollars if its a domestic tournament? Read some where that Rupee is the currency of poor man, middle class wants to upgrade to dollars and rich already talk in dollars only.
3. Middle class keeps often questioning what the government is doing for me with my taxes? Maharashtra government just lost Rs. 5 Crore/- (convert to dollars yourself) and i dont know about other states. So the government made sure that you enjoyed IPL and paid for all the security, power consumption etc etc without getting anything in return but making a few individuals definitely rich. Now Maha CM says we cannot collect tax as the matches are over.
4. Role of 'Media' in this whole tamasha ? The so-called news channels completely lost their purpose. By the way are there any news channels today in India? I think we have only 'Infotainment' channels. On the day of 'Dantewada' massacre Harsh Bhogle was correct in analyzing the match that it might be good for team 'X' and bad for team 'Y', but its a very sad day for India. Media lost track of its priorities. Even today when National UID (which could be the panacea for all the bureaucratic bottlenecks) logo was released, Modi dominates the media space.
5. The main thing that troubles me is the 'Conflict of Interest'. IPL is full of these conflicts. The 'IPL Nights' are hosted by the event management company owned by Arjun Rampal's wife, IPL hospitality is sponsored by Poorna Patel, Praful Patel's daughter, stakes being held by relatives of Modi, Gavaskar & Ravi Shastri getting $1Million for commentary etc etc. IPL is just one big platform where people with vested interests came together and got many tax sops and found an easy way of getting even richer and being in limelight. The talk of more opportunities for sportsmen and more employment opportunities are just by-products. Mallya didnt bid for Bangalore's pride or their winning matters to him. What matters to him is the amount of money he will get as more people throng pubs and bars for watching IPL matches.
6. Coming to the quality of cricket - No doubt it showcased better talent, but i am kicking myself for watching a MRF blip 50 times a day or watching a zoomed Modi or Shilpa Shetty or Preity Zinta. Cameramen and Commentators have clear instructions - Owners & Sponsors are first, Cricket is secondary.
7. What about other contribution of IPL ? Perhaps they did something, but more could have been done. The Police worked hard and extra hours for securing IPL? Can't IPL contribute something to police foundations?? Instead, they are focussing more on innovations like 'IPL Nights'.
8. Peole are saying Modi is not alone in this and there's Pawar, Patel and etc etc. Good, then catch everyone. Don't vindicate Modi by saying others are also guilty. This again seems to be the typical Indian thing - Working class evades tax under false means saying that so and so is not even paying. Two wrongs don't make a right. Who are we cheating?? Ourselves ??

I think someone was apt in comparing Modi to 'Vince Mcmann' of WWE. Both have no qualms about being filthy rich and follow similar style. But i am not joining those who cry for banning IPL. It will be like cutting a hand due to a broken finger that could be cured with a medicine. 1 year is a long time before IPL-4. Before that the IT, ED & Corporate affairs should clean the whole mess. Time to fix things and make all accountable.