Hurdles for IPL 3
IPL is considered as one of the best cricket tournament in the world, with lots of excitement and fun. Many believe that IPL is far more exciting and better that of World Cup T20 and ODI world cup, because the format and league version followed in IPL, entertains people to the maximum extent. But at the same time this season 3 has to face lot of problems and hurdles and the people believe that the IPL governing body will tackle these problems and will organize this series very well. The important factor is that IPL has returned back to home and this will be an action packed entertainer. IPL 3 will kick off in a grand manner on 12th March 2010, but prior to the tournament the foreign players are worried about the security measurements in India. The key reasons for these worries are mainly due to the aftermath Pune Blast and the terror threat by Al Qaeda. Let is discuss some of the key issues faced by IPL, to conduct the tournament.
i) The main reason why IPL 2 was shifted to South Africa is due to inadequate security in India, because the IPL 2 schedule clashed with that of the Indian election. But this doesn't mean that India is not a secure country and IPL 2 was shifted to South Africa as a precautionary measure as the Government can't concentrate on security for two important events, Indian election and IPL and they have to choose the top priority event, Indian Election.
ii) The Pakistan players avoided the IPL 2 when the IPL 2 was initially planned to take place in India. But when IPL 2 was shifted to South Africa, the Pakistan players were willing to take place in the tournament. But the IPL governing body didn’t allow them, as the Pakistan players were not interested in playing the tournament, when it was initially planned to take place in India. But Lalit Modi made sure that Pakistan players will have a chance to take part in IPL 3 and they need to take part in the auction again. Every cricketing fan believed that many Pakistan players will be bought by the Franchisee. But to everyone's surprise none of the eight teams chose a single Pakistan player. This resulted in lot of controversy and the people of Pakistan were very angry with the IPL governing body, especially Lalit Modi. Lalit Modi was even criticized in India by many experts, but after few days, he announced that he has nothing to do with this as it was the decision of the franchise to select their players according to the availability. He also announced that Rajasthan Royals had one open spot and if they wish they can chose any player, including a Pakistan player. It was also believed that Deccan Chargers and Kolkata Knight Riders were trying for Abdul Razzaq. But the angry Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) withdrew the No Objection Certificate which was given to the Pakistan players before the auction. The cable operators in Pakistan also said that they won't telecast and IPL matches in Pakistan.
iii) Another Key issue faced by the IPL Governing body is the Telengana problem and the Hyderabad venue problem. Due to the protest by Telengana supporters, IPL decided not to conduct any match Hyderabad. As a matter of fact a local match was cancelled in Hyderabad, as the Telengana Protestors entered the stadium and started agitation. The Duleep trophy match in Hyderabad was conducted without a single audience, so as to make sure that the match takes place smoothly without any kind of problems. So IPL confirmed that no match will be played in Hyderabad and the Deccan Chargers home matches will be shifted to Nagpur, Cuttack and Mumbai. The Government of Andhra Pradesh went to the extent of asking the Deccan Chargers team to quit IPL 3 if there is no match in IPL 3. Deccan Chargers team formally filed a case, but the constant Telengana Protest in Hyderabad, made them to accept the decision of IPL governing body. This will be a huge loss for the Deccan Chargers team and the fans, as they don't have the opportunity to watch a home match. But at the same time, this may also be considered as a blessing in disguise for the Chargers, because history says that Deccan Chargers never won any home match, in IPL or the Champions league and so this IPL 3 will be lucky for them or they have to take this fact, so as to move in a positive approach.
iv) The problems started by Shiv Sena, i.e. they gave a statement as they won't allow any Australian Players, due to the racist attack on Indians in Australia. But somehow they got back their statement and announced that they will allow the Australian players for IPL 3.
v) But apart from all the problems discussed above, the key problem is the "Pune Blast" and the terror threat from Al Qaeda. The Al Qaeda warned any foreign nationals visiting India for Commonwealth Games, Hockey World cup and IPL 3. This threat made the teams to think visiting India. But the Australian security team revealed that they are very happy with the security measurement in India. The Pakistan Government have also sent a security team to review the security level in India and they were very happy about the security measurement and they also sent their Hockey team to participate in the Hockey World Cup 2010, Delhi. A New Zealand player was the only player hesitated to take part in the Hockey World Cup, due to security arrangement and he has withdrawn from the tournament. But in the case of IPL 3, the boards of Australia, South Africa and England have said that the final decision is with the players and the board is not responsible and intervene in their decision.
So IPL 3 is going to be a tough challenge to IPL governing body, but if they organize the competition very well, they it will prove that India is the safest place in the earth. All the best for the organizing committee and let us hope and wish that all the tournament are organized well.
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