Rain, Rain go away !! New 'Pawarful' force

Cricket, as a game, has this strange habit of attracting rain even in deserts. Another Cyclone is threatening Madras and the 1^st test is likely to be a truncated affair, at best. Sri Lanka must be happy with that news since their so called practice match against the BP XI did not go well at all. They must be hoping that a draw at Madras will give some time for them to regroup. In the meanwhile, there are murmurs that negotiations have started with the new men at the BCCI throne to play Yuvraj as the 6^th batsman. My opinion – that will take some courage to make Dada cool his heels in the pavilion but not impossible, especially with the change of guard at BCCI.

Talking about the new ‘Pawarful’ hands at BCCI, a lot needs to be done. Although, I am not optimistic, let me draw a list for what it is worth. The first thing BCCI needs is a proper web site. Can you imagine that the barons of BCCI, who sign deals worth the sizes of GDP of a few African nations are not savvy (in a tech savvy land) to have a proper web site? Even Bangladesh cricket board has a site. The next priority is to clear the muddle over the telecasting rights (and not rush to the anti – Dalmia gang) and bring in some transparency. The most important priority will be improving the grounds, better facilities for fans and finally strengthen domestic cricket. Well!! The wish list can go on but let me reassess this after the honeymoon is over. In the meanwhile, let us hope for a result at Chepauk, where I hear the TEST is as much threatened by rain, as by a law suit against the local association in high court. Court wrangles are nothing new in Indian cricket but this is perhaps the 1st time I am seeing a match itself threatened.