Sunday, June 1, 2008

The Aussie Knight Rider! What's Next?

Ricky Ponting recently got to 10,000 runs in test cricket becoming the 7th man to do so.

A lot of media coverage was given to the milestone, as it should be.

Bloggers were also involved in discussions about whether Ponting knew he was approaching the mark or not.

Besides that, one thing came to my notice.

It was on the Kolkata Knight Riders' official website.

The headline read: "Ponting joins 10K Club - Aussie Knight Rider becomes seventh batsman to do so"

Aussie Knight Rider?!

Alright so Ponting's IPL franchise likes to refer to him as their player, but how long before the other media channels start referring to international cricketers with respect to their IPL teams?

Take for example Shaun Marsh. He would most probably make his international debut against the Windies in the upcoming ODIs.

Imagine the headlines:

"Kings XI's opener Shaun Marsh to make international debut."

Or

"Priety Zinta delighted at Marsh's international debut."

Will anyone even talk about the domestic season he had for Western Australia?

I doubt it.

Thats the impact the IPL could have. Or it has to some extent already.

There's a tri series coming up in Bangladesh with Pakistan and India competing in it.

Imagine the commentators':
  • The 2 captains Shoaib Malik and MS Dhoni are out there for the toss. Both are coming off contrasting IPL campaigns - Malik sat out on the bench, while MS Dhoni led his team to the finals.
  • Mohammad Asif is taking the new ball for Pakistan. His Delhi Daredevils captain Virender Sehwag is on strike.
  • The other opener is debutant Yusuf Pathan breaking into the side after a very successful stint with the Rajasthan Royals. His Royals team mate Sohail Tanvir will most probably bowl the 2nd over.
  • Ojha has bowled impressively today. He had a good run for the Deccan Chargers and has done well here apart from that 1 over to his IPL team mate Shahid Afridi.
  • Rohit Sharma, who played alongside Ojha and Afridi in the IPL, has a word of advice for the spinner here.
And this is just the start.

It could get worse. Imagine this:

"Chennai Super Kings coach Kepler Wessels wants Matthew Hayden to see South African specialist for his heel injury"

Hayden after all is under a 3-year contract to CSK. They could demand these things. Can't they?

How about these:

"Kolkata Knight Riders' management upset with BCCI for over looking Saurav Ganguly for the Asia Cup"

"Greg Shipperd tells Dhoni to open with Sehwag and Gambhir"

Far fetched?

Could be if you think now, but the IPL will end tonight and in a weeks time majority of the players will resume duty on the international circuit.

Will the media headlines and commentator jibes involve IPL references? Will the IPL coaches talk about how their players should be used?

It could be a telling impact.

Make your pitch on this post...



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6 Pitched:

  1. Jrod said...
     

    Something negative from the IPL, well i never.

  2. Viswanathan said...
     

    From what I hear, this sort of thing is routine in football.

    Am I correct?

  3. Anonymous said...
     

    If Shaun Marsh makes the Test Team .....

    Marsh dropped for putting owner to sleep - Zinta perplexed by speed of Test Match.

  4. Q said...
     

    Wherever there are plusses, u will find a few minuses as well Uncle J.

    I don't think the headlines are as bad though... what I think could be damaging is if the IPL coaches act the way I have imagined..

  5. Q said...
     

    Yes it does Ottayan...

  6. Q said...
     

    Good one currycricketer.. and good to see you here.

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