IPL 2024 Reality TV Dramatic Universe Prologue ft. BCCI Secretary, IPL Chairman
In the summer of 2024, when the master race of television was losing the battle to its next-gen competitor the smartphone, two stalwarts racked their brains somewhere in India. What they quietly contemplated in that fateful conversation changed the face of entertainment and cricket forever.
A large window on the southern wall dominated the room but little light seemed to penetrate the interiors of the cavern. The foggy Delhi air diffused the illuminating rays to cast an ominous shadow on the terse figure seated on the couch in the centre of the room. His glasses glinted in the wee hours of the morning, and the bright red pocket square stole all the attention from the trademark Nehru coat. Somehow, the individual’s aura called for attention such that one could be forgiven for being oblivious to the presence of another man sitting opposite him. Taller and leaner, he seemed to be twice the age of his counterpart, yet his stiff back and fidgety hands clearly betrayed where the true power lay.
“Stop tapping your feet, Arun. There is no reason to be nervous,” the first voice echoed sternly.
“No, no, Mr Shah, I’m just excited. The greatest carnival in world history is making its annual return and we inch closer to our quest for global domination.”
“Hmm. I hope your emotions don’t make themselves so easily known in other situations. I’ve been trying hard to conceal our long-term plans, I think the latest contracts and the Test inventive scheme ought to have us covered for the time being.”
“A brilliant masterstroke, indeed. If you may allow, I did have something pricking my mind. Don’t you think it’s time we moved in with phase two of our plan? This seems like the perfect year for it.”
A wry smile spread across Mr Shah’s face.
“You have been learning well. Do you remember what our blueprint entailed?”
“Yes. We ought to expand our horizons beyond the four hours of cricket every day. Languid over rates can only take us so far. There needs to be something greater, all-encompassing.”
“Do you know why reality shows always do so well, Arun?”
The sudden tangential shift of the question threw Arun off-guard.
“Don’t bother, I shall tell you. The Germans have a word for it, schadenfreude. It is the knack of humans for deriving pleasure from another’s misfortune. You know how when a brawl breaks out it is inherently tragic but you just cannot take your eyes off it? That is the secret of reality shows, Arun. Some watch it for the superficial entertainment, but even those that cringe at its gaudiness, remain drawn by the sheer trashiness on display. Perhaps it makes them feel better about themselves. Anyway, my point is, the stage is set to bring to the world the IPL Dramativerse.”
Arun stared in awe at the genius inventiveness and the lucidity of the man before him. No wonder he was in charge of pulling the strings of a billion-plus people.
“ARUN! Are you listening, Arun?”
“Ye-Yes,” Arun snapped out of his fantasies to answer tamely.
“Good. Make the arrangements to communicate with the teams and prepare a manifesto for the fans. The shows shall be as follows:
Juice with Justin – LSG Coach delves into industry secrets
Keeping up with Kavya
I’m a PBKS cricketer get me out of here
Kaunsa Titan Banega Crorepati
Rajasthan’s Next Top Model.”
“Your wish is my command, sire,” said Arun, bringing a landmark conversation in cricket and entertainment history to a definitive close.