Comprising only nine full time members and a world cup format which continues to undergo constant changes with every edition, it certainly is not. Then what compels us to continue watching it? What keeps the media rolling? Why do celebrities rush to the stadiums to get even more glam?
Cricket on its own is a much more complex game than many others. Which other game comprises three formats and runs up to five days? (There was a time when timeless tests were played and they have ended in draw as well). The mind boggles to come to terms with the intricacies of the game that include no-balls, DRS, mandatory powerplays, optional powerplays, super overs and what not? Add to that the dynamics of the game that include crumbling pitches, the dew factor, a D/L formula, fielders at catching positions, fast bowlers, spinners and more. Then there are the law keepers including two on field umpires fighting the modern cameras, the third umpire and the fourth. Our childhood days only added complexity and layers to this myriad plethora by adding one-pitch-catches and under-arm-bowling.
Cricket has had its share of controversies. Controversy is very much like a mistress. You don't want one in your household, but if your neighbour has one, it gets the tongues rolling. You need the talk, not the pain. In essence, this is what makes for a wonderful time pass. We have had our brush with bodyline, sledging, drugs, match-fixing and more lately spot-fixing. And just as with your neighbour, over time, you forget the mistress, ease out the animosities and let life move on. The game of cricket continues on.
And then there is the eternal paradox. A batsman has to make one mistake to return to the pavilion whereas a bowler makes a mistake and lives to fight another ball - and we still call this a batsman's game? No other game has had one team ruling the roost for more than a decade(AUS). No other team-game has an unbeaten champion for 12 years. Add to the mix the eternal Chokers(SA), ones who manage to pull above their weights(NZ), the unpredictables(PAK), the waning force(WI) and the eternal underdogs(ENG). And this is the only sport where we, the Indians enter as favorites. The latest twist in the tale being an attempt at felling the gods of the game, the umpires, with reviews. My mind boggles to find another sport played as much in the field as in the brains. No wonder our no-brain friends from America are having a hard time to come to terms with cricket. Hopefully one day, it will get the following accorded to Football and the like. Until then, we will be the early torch-bearers who carried the game on our shoulders when the time needed it.
