Modi questions shifting of IPL matches after Maha drought row

IPL 2016 faced severe opposition from all quarters after the event coincided with the increase in severity of the Maharashtra drought this summer. While the plight of the farmers was unmistakable, the logic of linking the two events was always tenuous. However, it found widespread support and only few takers on the opposite side amid the clamor to shift the IPL matches out of the state with the judiciary playing vigilante once again. Eventually, the matches were shifted out despite the BCCI promising to ensure recycling and minimal wastage of water.

Few public voices were heard back then, one among which was Indian Limited overs and Rising Pune captain MS Dhoni, who pointed at the folly, when he said, “If you see, all these questions are good to hear, I think for us it’s more important to seek long-term solutions”.

There is water crisis today...Sometimes, our media people distort the things way too much, and we cannot even play cricket. Wherever there is a stadium...Whether a cricket match is held or not, the ground needs to be watered 365 days (of the year),"

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Two months after the controversy, the Prime Minister has opened up on his views about the crisis.

Speaking at a program where he launched the Smart city program across 20 cities, the PM said, "There is water crisis today...Sometimes, our media people distort the things way too much, and we cannot even play cricket. Wherever there is a stadium...Whether a cricket match is held or not, the ground needs to be watered 365 days (of the year)," reported Zeenews.

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"But the country believed it that since matches are not being held, so the watering also stopped...The country believed this," the Prime Minister added.

The PM also added, "They (grounds) have to be watered for 365 days, that's how the green cover remains...Otherwise there will be no game in the stadium even after two years...Don't know from where (they) bring this new philosophy," reported Zeenews.

It is unfortunate that sport in the country is held hostage in every possible crisis–be it the water crisis, or tiffs with neighboring Sri Lanka and Pakistan. It is time we, as a nation, held an informed discussion on whether sport is an end in itself as entertainment, or if it is indeed a bridge towards a better world.  

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