The IPL broth is boiling

Lalit Modi must now be wondering why at all he tweeted mentioning about Sunanda Pushkar. That was the fodder for the media and all hell broke loose. Shashi Tharoor who claimed to be a mentor of the IPL Kochi team and a “close friend” of Sunanda was dragged in the melee and charges and counter charges were traded. The Government was visibly embarrassed both inside and outside of Parliament with the Opposition gunning for them.

Tharoor was forced to resign and the Government now began to show their vendetta on the opposition and on Lalit Modi and the IPL fraternity of office bearers, Franchisees and just about everybody even remotely connected to them. IT raids were happening on dime a dozen offices every day. Politicians and other cabinet Minister’s names were falling out like nine pins. Now everyone wants to keep away from Lalit Modi.

In support of Lalit Modi, one would say he was a “go-getter” and a person with a tremendous drive and energy. The way he shifted IPL 2 to South Africa and conducted it with clock work precision was taken note of by the world with awe and astonishment. He was a no-nonsense person and would even trample on his detractors to achieve his end. He built up a lot enemies in the process but even his worst enemies will not undermine his abilities.

However, Lalit Modi went overboard in presenting IPL as an entertainment. Yes, with Bollywood celebrities, late night parties, wine and women in plenty, there was no dearth for entertainment. Everything pointed for the can of worms to be opened and that’s exactly what happened.

The Government’s investigation and the media’s news are throwing up a lot of names both in the political and at the ministerial level. The probe will have to be done thoroughly and not by a joint parliament committee (JPC) as the opposition parties claim. The JPC will only ensure that nothing will happen.

One hopes that through all this mess will evolve a clear direction. IPL should not be killed but the administration should be made accountable and governed by a clear set of rules and guidelines.BCCI and IPL will have to abide by corporate rules and political interference should be removed.

The year 2009- A quick recap

The year started with the then chairman of Satyam computers divulging that the company's accounts have been fudged. The Government acted quick by forming a new Board to go into the irregularities and Raju finding himself behind the bars.

Cricket also became the target of terror when the Sri Lankan team was attacked in Pakistan. Fortunately there were no casualties but International cricket in Pakistan was put in cold storage.

The Global economic meltdown continued for most part of the year and the G-20 came to some sort of understanding on regulatory crackdown . With countries spending huge sums of money to prop up the economy, most nations showed signs of recovery in the last quarter of the year.

India went to polls and the Congress party came out thumbs up thanks to infighting in the major opposition party BJP.

The IPL cricket jamboree moved to South Africa as the Indian Government pleaded inability to provide security for the tournament as it was coinciding with the National polls. IPL Chairman Modi and his team did a wonderful job in shifting the venue at such short notice and coming out trumps. The tourney was a huge success and the " Deccan chargers" came out winners over the "Royal challengers", Bangalore. These two teams literally turned the tables on the other sides as these two were just about making up the rear during the inaugural IPL season.

Sri Lankan Government went hammer and tongs against the LTTE and virtually wiped out the organization and their supremo Prabhakaran.Innocent human lives were the casualties in this Government crusade against LTTE.
Racial attacks against Indian students in Australia was common place and by the year end it was gaining momentum. The Australian government seem to be incapable of arresting the turn of events. Ominous signs indeed.

The world lost Michael Jackson, the "King of Pop" music in June 2009. The world of music will be that much poorer.

Roger Federer created tennis history when he won the 15th Grand slam title upstaging Sampras' record. But in a different sport- Golf- we had Tiger Woods exposed for his "sexcapades" causing severe family problem and personal embarrassment.

The year ended with the Copenhagen accord on climate change. An accord devoid of any teeth and failed to meet Global expectations. Cutting on emission levels involve huge costs and the developed nations failed to reach a consensus on how to share this cost and fund the developing nations. This proved to be the biggest stumbling block for a brave and challenging target.

The world economy is trying to put it's head out of water and one hopes that the year 2010 would be lot brighter for planet Earth.