The day was supposed to be a big day for Indian cricket. The world knew that Sachin was just 15 away from becoming the highest run getter in Tests. And moreover, the wait seemed to be over after India had won the toss and decided to bat. In short, the script was ready for the event to unfold. But what we got to see was shocking, to say the least. The crowd for the D-day was so sparse that it would have put even South Africa to shame. The mere definition of cricket in India cannot be separated from the man we call ‘little master’. The man who had carried the hopes of the entire nation for the past 18 years was on the verge of the greatest milestone of his career. In return, what did he get? He certainly deserved more than an empty and echoing PCA stadium, Mohali. This humiliating act by the people of Mohali needs to be condemned. It is difficult for me to convey the emotions that I went through while watching this act unfold. It was more than an eyesore for me.
This leads us to a serious issue regarding the allotting of matches to Test venues.Having excellent infrastructure and facilities would lead to nothing if you don’t have the crowd to cheer on. Stadium facilities should not be the sole criterion for allotting matches. The BCCI should take this matter seriously and look into its ‘rotation policy’. Even at its present form, the ‘rotation policy’ is flawed. Check this. It is the list of matches in major venues in India since 2007 WC to the end of 2009(inc. Eng series)
| Ahmedabad Nagpur Kolkata Chennai Delhi Chandigarh Kanpur Bangalore Mumbai | Tests 2 1 1 1 2 1 1 2 1 | ODIs 0 1 0 0 0 2 2 2 1 |
So why should the players be forced to play in front of empty stadiums when you have other options? The list clearly indicates that Eden Gardens and Chepauk have been the most neglected venues. Series as important as the Ind-Aus needs these venues. Where else would you get to see such atmosphere? The crowds are an integral part of any cricket match. In fact they are the soul of epic battles. Imagine Ashes 2005 or Eden 2001 minus the crowd. There is a unique charm is watching matches in front of huge crowds, even through the TV. Greatest cricketing battles are fought in jam-packed stadiums, not in front of bare concrete structures.
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