I was very young, just about nine when India had won their first cricket world cup. All the years I have seen, played and understood cricket, I have always craved for it as an Indian but it had always evaded us. But I might add cricket with or without the cup is a passion for me. When India slowly started climbing the levels, from quarters to the semis and then the finale, the excitement started building up. We started winning and the excitement was unprecedented. I am positive billions of Indians shared this emotion.

Might I add, India was fabulous in the world cup and the cricketers did a fab job! And apparently what the Indians did post match on the roads was spectacular. For once, everyone seemed one and united by that one victory, as a true Indian. There were celebrations on the streets, social networking sites and the effort was applauded internationally as well. But what upset me was the constant speculation of the bookies and monies involved in the sport. I was trying to be oblivious of all the speculations and trying to watch it without any unadulterated thoughts. For I know that a religion like cricket; that is unadulterated holds little meaning so I wanted to view my cricket clean.

I am not too much in favour of IPL and its T20 format. One reason being that cricket now has so much importance in our lives, especially after the stint with world cup that it will occupy the driver’s seat now. This also means that other sports will lose the limelight and the opportunity to cricket. The point is my team that played as one will now be scattered within different states and as much as I love my cricket I am not for its disintegration and commercialisation. Cricket loses its essence. It is that time of the year when one could easily make a quick buck. When cricket not played for a country’s pride or glory but for money endangers the purity and holiness of the game.

I am happy for Mr Lalit Modi but am not in favour of commercialising cricket. Indians are blind when it comes to their cricket but they can’t see what is so obvious. IPL gives cricketers a scope for more advertisements, some more music videos and the money automatically flows in.

I openly criticise corruption and would like to take this opportunity to support and endorse Shri Anna Hazare’s cause today. On one hand we have this man fighting against the evil called corruption and on the other hand, it’s this very malady that plagues cricket that continues to pinch me.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this column are those of the author and TellyChakkar does not necessarily subscribe to the same.