Former Indian cricketer Balwinder Singh Sandhu suggested that controversies in the IPL tend to arise strategically during the middle of the tournament to reignite viewer interest.
Despite cricket being the focal point of the IPL’s appeal, the league often grabs attention for the wrong reasons. Recently, an intense exchange between an LSG team owner and skipper KL Rahul gained significant interest, following earlier controversies involving Kohli’s response to criticism from commentators and a legendary cricketer.
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Balwinder Singh Sandhu, a former Indian cricketer from the 1983 World Cup-winning squad, questioned the timing of such incidents. He suggested that these controversies strategically emerge during the midpoint of the IPL season, potentially aimed at rejuvenating the interest of a somewhat tired audience. Sandhu implied that this pattern might be a deliberate marketing strategy to sustain excitement around the IPL across successive years.
“…I have observed a trend, Sandhu wrote in a column for mid-day. “Ever since the IPL began, right in the middle of the tournament when viewers get a bit tired of watching the T20 action, controversies crop up, almost like clockwork. It works to reinvigorate following of the tournament. It could be speculated whether this is a marketing strategy to sustain excitement around the IPL over the years,” Sandhu wrote.
“By the way, wasn’t there a recent controversy concerning Lucknow Super Giants owner Sanjiv Goenka when he appeared to be giving captain KL Rahul a spray post a heavy loss to Sunrisers the other night?” he added.
Sandhu also addressed the clash between Virat Kohli and cricket commentators, notably Sunil Gavaskar’s defense of their integrity. Drawing from his own experience as Gavaskar’s former teammate, Sandhu urged players to view criticism as a means for improvement rather than a personal attack.
“If a senior cricketer in the commentary box makes factually correct comments, then the player being criticised should take it as constructive feedback and strive to improve his or her skills, ensuring performances answer the criticism,” Sandhu continued.
“Instead, players often overreact to protect their reputation and fan base, regardless of whether the comments are personal, issue-based or factually correct. By reacting strongly, they inadvertently fuel controversy, just the tonic required to bring back the buzz for the tournament and ultimately boosting viewership and revenue,” he concluded.
READ ALSO | Virat Kohli Shuts Down Critics with Fiery Reply on Strike Rate
Last Updated on May 13, 2024
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