In the past, India succeeded despite itself. In those days a cricketer was either brilliant or broke, backed or bankrupt. Now a youngster can break through from remote outposts and domestic players can earn a living, writes Peter Roebuck.
Domestic cricket in India is in a better state than outsiders imagine. Previously provincial and youth cricket were neglected and even the most prestigious grounds were unkempt. Now impressive new stadiums are springing up and players are properly paid.
In the past, India succeeded despite itself. In those days a cricketer was either brilliant or broke, backed or bankrupt. Now a youngster can break through from remote outposts and domestic players can earn a living. A career in cricket remains a gamble. Injury, loss of form, bad luck, lack of ability can dash juvenile hopes. But that applies to every country and every sport.
Until recently, Indian cricket lacked a strong central body to drive the game along. Money was squandered and talent was wasted and the game depended on a vast population and abiding affection. Now and then a great player emerged or a robust team was built. Mostly India was obliged to celebrate purple patches and to endure grey periods.
Reputations died hard. Accordingly the proceedings at the Ranji Trophy match between Delhi and Punjab provoked surprise. Expecting to find a forsaken arena populated by forgotten cricketers motivated mainly by a lust for T20 contracts, I instead encountered a pleasant ground and purposeful cricket played to an impressive standard by a collection of fit and well paid players. Vijay Dahiya coaches Delhi. He took the job upon retiring last year and his team promptly won the Trophy for the first time in 16 years. As far as he is concerned the IPL has been a mixed blessing. While it has rejuvenated the careers of aggressive thirty-year-olds bound for the scrapheap, he wasn’t worried about the youngsters, whose agility and fielding had improved markedly. “Financial security is a big thing in this country,” he says. “Playing cricket is a huge gamble. But not so much these days. The rewards are not far away.”
He is not concerned about wealth turning the heads of his youthful charges. “IPL is so fast they must stay fit,” he says, “there is more to gain these days but there is also more to lose.” He adds that Ishant Sharma sets a fine example. “He has not changed a little bit, and when one star is like that the next star copies him.” He was, though, worried about players putting their personal interests above the team.
Rameet Ricky, one of Punjab’s older hands, confirms that domestic cricketers are better paid. Not long ago the BCCI agreed to direct about 25% of its revenues to the players. Those taking part in Ranji Trophy matches receive Rs. 35,000 a day. Pensions are paid to past players, with the amount depending on length of service. As a former Test player, Chetan Chauhan gets Rs. 35,000 a month. Ricky says that the Ranji Trophy retains its importance because it is the main platform to the Indian side.
Things have improved but they are not perfect. Test crowds were down owing to expensive tickets and poor salesmanship. The BCCI is proud of its defiance of the Apartheid regime but assists the tyrants in Zimbabwe. But one step at a time.
Meanwhile a boy watched from the edge of the boundary. He plays for Delhi’s Under-19 team. What does he want from his career? He does not mention IPL or ICL. “I want to represent my country,” he replies and then looks across, wondering why he had been asked such a damn foolish question.
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