The fifth edition of Indian Premier League (IPL) was more eventful than the last four.
After the second edition in South Africa, administrators and fans have been dismayed by allegations of match-fixing, involvement of black money and wild after-hours partying by cricketers.
But it was during the fifth edition that the lid was blown off IPL's underbelly — a sting operation, exposing spot fixing and black money involvement, a celebrity getting into a brawl with security guards inside a stadium, and a player arrested for alleged molestation in one of those late night parties.
IPL warrants a clean-up act before the sixth edition. Transparency in its auction process, accountability in its finances, induction of professionalism during the tournament and stringent punishment guidelines for players involved in spot and match fixing are required to expunge the ghosts of the past.
Three important stakeholders who can bring about such a change — fans of the game, Government of India and, most of all, the sponsors — have all so far either been silent, or looked the other way. Going forward, they should act.
The least powerful of the stakeholders are the fans of the game. Even if they unite in some form of protest to reform the league, they are unlikely to be able to shake up the IPL.
Moreover, with the games being played in the richest cities of India, team owners along with respective cricket associations will not have to try too hard to fill the stadia. The law of numbers will ensure that there are enough eyeballs glued to the television screen for an entertaining evening of cricket. And, more importantly, fans can quite easily be persuaded by powerful owners and stewards of the game to accept the status quo.
SPONSORS' RESPONSIBILITY
But the other two stakeholders — sponsors and Government of India — can deal a master stroke that can clean up the coveted league in a hurry. Sponsors are well aware that IPL publicity is not entirely a good thing, but have concluded that it has not caused much damage to their brand.
The irony for cricket fans in India is that many of the sponsors, especially multinationals, apply a different yardstick when it comes to sponsoring cricket.
Many athletes and sports associations have periodically faced the wrath of sponsors, either for getting into serious trouble with the law, or at times even for peccadilloes. Tiger Woods lost most of his sponsors soon after his womanising tendencies were out in public. Michael Phelps, a decorated swimmer, was pulled up by his sponsors after his photograph of smoking pot appeared in many tabloids.
Olympic associations in many countries have lost corporate sponsorship for not taking action against errant athletes. But, unfortunately, in India, the sponsors are yet to even warn the organisers of IPL that funding would be in jeopardy in case charges of match fixing and black money continue to haunt the league.
IPL has many sponsors who can take the bull by the horns and bring about far-reaching changes to restore credibility to the game.
From India's most valuable company in terms of market capitalisation, Tata Consultancy Services, to one of the most recognisable brands across the globe, PepsiCo, there are powerful corporates who can send a strong message to the cricket world about the need for clean entertainment.
Any plausible action by them to rein in the league and cleanse the month-and-half long tournament will be applauded by a generation of young Indians.
Bring in transparency
But the most powerful action can come from the Government of India, and there are plenty of reasons to do an ‘Operation Satyam' on IPL. Some of the owners are already being investigated for money laundering, FEMA and FERA violations, after the controversial auction of additional IPL teams.
The high priests of cricket administration and mandarins of IPL have abdicated their fiduciary duty by not investigating allegations of financial irregularities.
The recent sting operation offers evidence of black money involvement and illegal gratification to players. This is sufficient reason for the Government of India to replace the current IPL Governing Council with people of integrity who have the heart and mind to facilitate changes that will bring about the much-needed transparency and accountability to IPL.
Mr Narayana Murthy, the retired IT czar, who has many a times expressed his interest in cricket will be an outstanding Chairman. Along with a few other chosen men and women of stature, a new Governing Council can clean up the league.
Brand IPL is becoming better known for its sleaze than for rivalries between teams and competitive cricket on the field.
More than fans, government and sponsors are within their powers to restore honour and dignity of the game, that so many Indians consider their religion. Rather than a total ban, a much-vaunted clean-up will guarantee that Indians and cricket fans worldwide continue to witness extraordinary performances on the field, rather than regrettable bouts of behaviour off it.
(The author is a Bangalore-based money manager.)