The Etcetera of The Cricket

Basking in the glory of having won the World Cup, we soon found ourselves amidst the biggest mass movement that I have seen against corruption. One 72 year man has brought the mango man (Aam Aadmi) to the streets in support of a burning cause in a typical Gandhian way. The pent up angst in people against the corrupt, fuelled by recent multiple expose needed just a little light to ignite the fire, which has been spreading like a jungle fire in last four days. Indians are standing up for greater participation in investigative and punitive process against the corruption at the highest level. The passions are running high and there seems to be a determination to do at least this much for the country. This is all so wonderful to see, so much so that yours truly feels personally involved.

However, one has come across some skeptics too. Skeptics not to the cause, but doubtful against this ‘cricket crazy’ nation’s will and ability to take part in the just social cause all the same. Initial responses read “people of this country can only come out to celebrate cricketing glory and nothing else…” But as the support grew and more people came on streets, there is a call “why are cricketers, who support Bharat Ratna for Sachin Tendulkar, not supporting the cause? Perhaps they are corrupt too...” Thankfully, MS Dhoni has expressed his support and asked people to join the movement, lest a hero on 2nd April would have been termed a greedy and corrupt captain. The latest one doing the rounds is “you wait till IPL starts and everyone will forget about the Anna Hazare cause…” Most surprisingly, this is coming from people who love the game and were tracking the world cup matches hoping for an Indian win. I am sure they would have celebrated the winning moments in their own ways.

Yet there is an element, or rather a fear of ‘Cricket’ Vs ‘Everything’ contest going on in minds of people right now. This is where the Etcetera of the Cricket comes into the fore. Yes, we are a cricket crazy nation and why should there be any negativity attached to it? Cricket as a game collectively enthralls us and kindles the passion that we have for the country. I find the belief that it (that passion) is restricted to cricket and cricket players totally unfounded. On the contrary, I feel one of the reasons that we see this unprecedented number of people coming out to actively support the cause is the timing of this movement which is just after cricket world cup win. All of us witnessed the fight for RTI, yet we didn’t see ourselves on streets then. India winning world cup a day before works brilliantly, the people are emotionally charged up, filled with pride and looking for ways to contribute in individual and collective successes. A cause is shown to them, something which is close to their heart, and that positive energy has got channelized into something bigger. I do not think this huge support is ‘despite’ the cricket and would rather believe that it is ‘because’ of cricket.

Which way will the people go once the IPL starts later today is yet to be seen. As for me, I am for the cause and will love to make the country’s leadership accountable to people when it comes to corruption. But I love my beer too and I love my cricket as well. I will certainly find a way to express all three loves at the same time and enjoy the Cricket as well as the Etcetera that comes with it!!!
© Shailesh Nigam, Varun Khanna (for respective articles)