IPL has spoilt Indian cricket, and Lodha recommendations are a boon

Cricket has ceased to be just another sport in India. There was a time when it was considered a gentleman's game. But, today it has turned into a major business. Players, as well as officials, earn huge sums of money out of this game.

Hardly any sport in India is left untouched by corruption. However, it seems to have crossed all the limits when it comes to cricket. Money rules the roost at all levels of the sport. The IPL has set new records of corruption in the game.

The selection process also lies in tatters. IPL teams often do not have a single player from the state they represent. Cricketers can play for any team as they are selected through an auction process. Even a population of 1.25 billion seems inadequate for the selectors, as foreign players are given precedence over domestic ones.

The concept of the IPL has totally demolished the concept of giving opportunities to emerging players from different states. Earlier, several tournaments in the domestic circuit, including Ranji Trophy, used to be a platform for local players.

In contrast, the IPL format does not require the cricketers of the particular region to represent their respective teams. He who pays the piper calls the tune, be it IPL team owners or the state cricket boards. They're more focussed on choosing star players than giving a chance to the promising talent.

Even if local players find a place in the team, their role is mostly confined to fielding at the boundary line or carrying drinks to the chosen playing XI. What could be a bigger disdain towards state-level players hoping to find an opportunity?

Such matches should be banned with immediate effect.