Cricket, they say, is a great leveler. One moment you are riding high and the next you are down and out. An event that caught the attention of the world’s sporting media last week was the second auction for the Indian Premier League at Goa.
The team owners bid for the best players on offer. Kevin Pietersen and Andrew Flintoff were “sold” for the highest amounts ever. A full $1.55 million each. Enough to last not just some families but several generations fed and clothed in India. Much was made of their prowess and skills.
Shortly after came the Test in Kingston, Jamiaca which saw England -which included Pietersen and Flintoff- humiliated by being shot out for a lowly 51.
Jerome Taylor the fast bowler who wrecked England with his 5 for 11 spell had been sold in the same auction to Kings XI Punjab for a comparatively lowly $ 150,000.
The man behind the IPL success is Lalit Modi. He has marketed the event like no one has ever before. Everyone saw him as the star of the event. He could no wrong . Today, we read that he could be guilty of forgery.
Pietersen and Flintoff will do well again and Lalit Modi may do better than even last time but seeing their ups and downs, one must say that cricket is a great leveler.
