So it is pertinent to ask, why is the BCCI spending $4 million to install floodlights in the venue when any stadium in the Indian heartland or in any of India’s North Eastern states would have been far better off with such an installation? Is it simply to help the 7000 odd to view their cricket better?Is such a huge expense for such a small audience justified? Or is there yet another ulterior motive that goes far beyond the politically correct argument of trying to boost cricket in Malaysia and thus furthering the timeless objective of trying to globalize cricket?
T
he truth is that the DLF cup in Malaysia is simply a satellite TV bonanza. It is nothing more than attractive programming organized for the Indian satellite television market by the BCCI. Just like the soaps and the serials, which dominate evening television in India, the DLF cup will provide yet another alternative to these in the coming two weeks. At the same time, it is an attractive package for the television industry, not only for the broadcaster which has the rights to beam the games live but also for the news channels engaged in what is nothing less than a war for ratings. Nalin Mehtaputs it beautifully: