Listening to Niranjan Shah in the press conference that made the entry of foreign players in to Ranji Trophy official was rather painful. They say that more money makes an individual selfish and self-centered and leaves him wanting for more. This may not be always true but in case of BCCI and its functioning, it pretty much seems spot on. The entire emphasis was placed on how the foreign players would bring in crowds and generate further revenue. It was still about the TV viewership of the domestic tournaments and their popularity. But what about impact on the game, Mr. Shah?
In all honesty BCCI could not care less and there is no diplomatic way of putting that. But for all the slack it gets BCCI might actually be doing something good for once and the introduction of foreign players might indeed help lift the standard of domestic cricket. One look at the recently concluded IPL and it will show you what a player of international repute and magical skill can do to an ordinary tea, When the IPL started, Rajasthan Royals were dubbed as the weakest teamed and by the time the dust settled and the trophy handed out, one Shane Warne lifted his team to the trophy. A player and leader of Warne’s skill, has that kind of talismanic effect on a team- be it Australia of the Royals!
There are some really positive changes that would come in with the new rule. Apart from the skill level automatically going up, international players bring much needed credibility to the teams. The foreign player will bring with him professionalism and more orderly manner than what is commonly found in the dressing room now. (Unless he is one Mr. Shoiab Akhtar) This will also give the teams a leader whom they will automatically respect, even if he is not the official leader of the team. The domestic teams are often known for notorious factions and groups and that can now be put away.
Apart from bringing the teams closer together it will also lift the players to perform better as they are in elite company. No budding talent likes to be batting with Lara and go back to the hut with a naught and no bowler likes to get smacked all around the park when Warne is out at mid-on talking to him. The move should also help the youngsters perfect their art under the watchful eye of the best in the game during the nets. The whole thing amplifies in to a stronger domestic system and better results for the national team.
One of the ripple effects of all this could be men like Sachin Tendulkar and the other top Indian players going back to domestic cricket. If Sachin were to know that he could be teeing of against Warne at Wankhede or if Ganguly could stand eye-to-eye against Ponting for the toss then it would be an offer hard to resist. The major argument against all this would be that one domestic player loses out. Remember that in a squad of 15, if you cannot make it to top 14 with ease, then it is unlikely you are ever going to play for India anyway. While this might sound very harsh, it most likely is a practically safe conclusion to make.
It is the interest of the team and the nation as a whole that should be a priority. In that regard the technical committee and the BCCI have made a bold decision which should benefit Team India immensely in the coming years. Just as long as not more than one foreign player is allowed to play with future amendments, this should be no hindrance to domestic talent.
