IPL and the COVID conundrum

Oxygen shortage, overworked health workers, lack of hospital beds, lack of space in crematoriums, mounting infections, and high mortality rates - the country is experiencing a lethal second wave of the coronavirus - threatening to sweep and swallow anything and everything in its path. However, whilst the situation in India worsens day by day, a sporting event treads side by side. It has been a tale of opportunity, privilege, and responsibility for players - the third word of prime importance here, as the IPL continues amidst a grim situation of COVID - 19 in India.

Arguably, the players in the tournament are the safest in the country, enclosed in a secure bio - bubble, carefully constructed to contain the spread of the virus while holding a tournament of its magnitude. It is of little surprise that the tournament has been facing flak in recent times, as this bubble inside a bubble may just amount to tone-deafness as if those confined in it have little to no relevance with the events occurring outside. In the past few days, it has become blatantly evident that the noise from outside has become too loud to ignore, the situation too grim to subside. Before, during, and after every match in the IPL, there are messages being broadcasted - repeating the guidelines of wearing masks, sanitizing hands, and staying at home, over and over again.

On 28th April, the bandwagon of the biggest T20 league in the world reached Delhi, the national capital, perhaps a scathing reflection of the state of the rest of the country. The Indian shooting tournament and the India Open (A badminton tournament that is essential for qualification to the Tokyo Olympics) have been put off. But, the IPL continues. Honestly, the sense of normality and positivity that the IPL brings in every Indian household is huge. As news all around us brings about nothing but sadness, the IPL is a welcome distraction from the distress the country is facing. Nevertheless, as the capital gasps for breath in the background of a crumbling health care system, is it ethical to hold cricket matches there with cheering team owners on the sidelines? Is it fair to direct resources towards IPL matches in empty stadiums, as surrounding areas struggle with the lack of them? As an ardent cricket fan, it pains me to question the tournament, but right now, its glitz, its glamour, its financial impetus, and its overwhelming positivity - All seem to overshadow a country enveloped in gloom. Not only this, but a player exodus threatens the BCCI, who has said that the league shall go on. Adam Zampa, Kane Richardson, and Ravichandran Ashwin, all have returned home amidst fears of the worsening pandemic, and as countries like Australia and England block passengers from India, there is growing anxiety among the star players participating in the IPL. Even Nitin Menon, one of the best umpires to have ever officiated the IPL, returned home, as his family tested positive for the coronavirus.

However, my plea isn't to cancel the IPL. Even though most of the profit is eaten up by the BCCI, the heavy-spending franchises, and broadcasters, the money-minting league can choose to continue the league with a more compassionate approach. Why not donate a portion of the profit towards helping pandemic-stricken households with no source of income? Why not raise money for oxygen cylinders, food, plasma drives, etc? Is it too much to ask those with 10 - 15 crore contracts to give a few lakhs for the sake of the country? The resources are very much there, and so is the massive influence on Indian audiences.

Australian cricketer Pat Cummins has donated $50000 to the PM Cares fund for oxygen supplies, and as former Australian cricketer Brett Lee has come forward to donate 1 Bitcoin, the legendary Sachin Tendulkar too has donated 1 Crore for "Mission Oxygen." The franchise "Delhi Capitals" too has donated 1.5 Crore INR for COVID support in the NCR region. India needs more of this, as there is a deafening silence from the most powerful in the business, and even though it is a start, telling people to stay safe and wear masks isn't saving anyone.

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