I write this piece day after the Manic Monday, 14th of May. What was maniacal about this day? Two high scoring amazing games decided in the last over and one of them with a last ball six. This was a day when a TV channel known for its “investigative journalism” did a sting featuring small time IPL players talking about corruption.
As regulars on my blog, you would know I love writing and talking down the IPL, even accurately predicting the downfall of the ratings in IPL V. But right here I admit I am not an IPL hater. A BIG statement!! If you have more big scoring games and the ones that get decided on the last ball you will love the format. This year some 10 games have been decided on the last ball. That’s a game too many, I think. And I care less about these fixing charges. Fixing may happen if an airline gets petro dollars if a particular team loses. So, do you really care about the no ball fixing for a petty sum of a million Rupees.
And why are the ratings down? I have written on that earlier, so no more. Right now the time for some free advice as to how to improve the ratings for IPL VI. Some suggestions have been made in last year’s blog as well. Please note consistency is my forte. But most importantly the powers that be, must agree that IPL needs a “Relaunch” to maintain its vigour and vitality. If Shuklaji thinks Aal iz well then only God (aka LKM) can help him. With that preface, read on......
Franchise identity:
The franchise identity has been eroded by the constant chopping and chipping of the teams. Even the “icons” have switched. Ganguly is Pune or Kolkatta? And adding to the mess are these Max promos who keep reminding the viewers how the players have switched the franchises. For god’s sake let Viru and Mahela open the DD batting with Kevin / Warner following. Same for many others. There is a possibility that there may be a fresh set of auctions next year. Some report said that the retention limit should go up from 5 to 6-8. Why? Just let the franchisees retain the existing players if both agree. Why limit them. You need a long term identity. That can happen only with players. Don’t have any auction at all. The left over players and slots can be done on a one on one basis based on market forces. A formula can be found out as to how to limit the money being paid.
It’s a game based on individual brilliance:
IPL is masquerading as a team game. Let’s be honest, individual brilliance matters. Most games are decided by individuals and not team performance. The effect that a Narine or Malinga or Gayle or Rahane or Sehwag have had on the matches and their team’s standings is for everyone to see. So, how do you make the game more competitive? Just give more money for the individual brilliance. Ideally, IPL should pay more for individual brilliance in each match. If not the team owners should incentivise (or are they doing so already - based on what is being said in the stings).
Better scheduling of the matches:
Last 5 matches of Punjab have had 2 against Chargers and 2 against DD. Last 4 matches of MI have 2 against KKR. When you are fighting for a place in the play-offs, you don’t want 2 games against table toppers. Or your opponents don’t want you to have 2 against the bottom basement dwellers. This just makes the fight to the finish like a toss of the coin. Let’s have the league broken in two parts like the first year? The second set of matches will only start once the first set of league matches have been completed.
What’s new on Technology?
HD has been great to watch the matches. Ultra slow mo cameras have brought a new zest to watching the game with the way the bat moves after the impact of the ball. Or the calculation of the distance of the 6. Love all of it. But what’s new this year or even next?
Commentary:
I prefer to watch IPL on mute. The commentary is going from bad to worse. The studio is no better. As if Siddhu was not enough we have this import called Isa Guha? Why, pray tell me why? Titillation should be limited to the cheer girls and not on commentary, please. Need some serious improvement.
Speed of the game:
Game has to be faster. It is becoming slow and boring. Stiffer penalty for captains for not completing the overs in time is called for. Strategic time out needs to be brought down to one only. Most importantly, can we get field umpires to decide more, rather than going upstairs, as if going to heaven, for every decision?
Repetition of old points:
Now come the points mentioned last year as well. 5 foreigners are required in the playing eleven. The game will be far more exciting to see all the class that the world can offer. You can limit it to not more than 3 from one country to still keep it “Indian” Premier League. The Indian players will be served well to see Smiths of the world field like their life was at stake if the ball crossed the boundary. Chandilas of India need to fight for their spot against the Narines of the world. That is true competition. And I trust that the deserving Indians will compete and compete effectively. That will be good for everyone. The viewers will love a better game and that will get more money to the game. That’s when the Jadejas of India will not get overpaid just because he is Indian and an all rounder,
Points for winning it big has to be brought in. Why not? If you beat someone comprehensively, you must get a bonus point for sure. It will definitely add some “masala” to the points table.
PS: need to prevent the player burnout. Can we introduce a clause where we say that no player can play more than 75% of the league matches (12 out of 16 max cap). This is not my original idea though.
PPS: Can we ask some players to retire gracefully? Sachin, Ganguly, Gilly, Vettori?
Enough for now. I do look forward to your feedback on this piece. You can also connect with me on twitter via @agrawalsanjeev
