Spot fixing has raised a few very pertinent questions about the level of fairness in the games, the integrity of the players, and the way the IPL is being run. It has also raised questions about whether the IPL is going to remain the most happening entertainment platform for the Indian populace even after being tarnished by incidences like spot fixing.
Well, it is too difficult a question to have a simple answer. It could have been a possibility for the BCCI to scrap the IPL, had it not been the spectacle it is. Also, had the size of investments done by the IPL team owners not been so huge, they might have given scrapping the IPL a second thought. The IPL is not only about the Cricket, rather I would say, it is not about cricket at all, it is about the business opportunity it presents.
The IPL is a means to earn some money for some really rich guys out there. They are not bothered by the state of Cricket or the way it is being played. The only things they care bout is that they should be able to get as many endorsements and as many ticket sales for the matches played by their teams.
It does not end there. The number of powerful politicians who are involved in the administration of Cricket in the country and the number of those who have backed the IPL as a money making tool is no secret.
Now we hear news of the central government (read Mr. Kapil Sibal) after talking to the Sports Minister (who does not have any connection to any kind of sport apart from having played petty politics) has announced that the central government will come up with a law to punish those who are caught engaging in activities like spot fixing. The question is, do we need another law here? Why not use the existing laws meant for those caught cheating and using unfair means to earn some quick bucks. Oh, yes, the reason for the announcement seems somewhat clear. They want to grab some attention by posing as being opposed to any type of corruption in sports. I would suggest Mr. Sibal, why not concentrate on the affairs of the government and try to curb corruption that seems to be so rampant within his government.
So, the IPL has not only become a means to earning some money, but also to earn some political mileage by appearing in electronic media to announce a law that will take eons to be conceived and even when conceived, will have all the necessary loopholes to find ways for their political allies. So, however difficult the situation may be for the IPL, however tarnished the game may become, how much ever losses some of the teams may be making, the IPL would not be scrapped and will continue to entertain the Cricket crazy nation that India is.