Indian Premier League (IPL), the annual multi million dollar mega, colorful cricket event held in India starts from today. At the same time, Saudi Arabia has announced its plan to launch in future a mega $500 million Cricket league consisting of 8 teams, with matches to be played in 4 different locations and the Final in Saudi Arabia.
Now the most interesting thing to watch for will be how India's policy of not playing with Pakistan in Pakistan will come into play. BCCI may not be able to have its way with the Saudis the same way it has its influence over ICC. Because, coming to the Geo political influence, forget BCCI, India is no match to MSB led Saudi Arabia which has a huge financial and strategic assets as leverage. It's the only country which is close to all global powers which matter - US, China, Russia and surprisingly (though not so overtly) Israel. Not just its assets of petro dollars and oil reserves, its strategic location in the tinderbox of Middle East makes Saudi Arabia a big and key player in the game, in football, cricket or otherwise.
The country is also close to both India and Pakistan for various geopolitical reasons. India is a strong manpower supplier to the Saudis, and Pakistan's all powerful Army has acted earlier as a mercenary to Saudi's interest, not to mention their Islamic connection. The desert Kingdom could use cricket diplomacy to bring India and Pakistan under the same umbrella. This cricket league will most likely be used for the same, for every one is aware of the popularity of cricket in not only both India and Pakistan, in the entire Indian subcontinent stretching from Afghanistan to Bangladesh. It not Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism or Christianity, but Cricket is the real religion in that part of the world.
Now India has some deft diplomacy work on hand. Don't think BCCI will deal with Saudi Arabia the same way it deals with Pakistan.
Saudi Arabia ain't Pakistan. But because India being a $4 trillion economy and BCCI currently wielding tons of influence in the world of cricket, it definitely going to get some concessions as part of the deal. But it is Pakistan who could turn out to be the real winner as it has nothing to lose. It has everything to gain, for the country is on the verge of bankruptcy with its cricketing set up in shatters with lowest ever moral. Half a billion USD, the planned budget of Saudi Cricket league is big money and can do some wonders, "Kyon Ki Paisa Bolta Hai" (Since Money talks). Let's not forget that BCCI's influence and control over ICC today is mainly due to one factor - it's MONEY stupid !
Reminded me of the liberally Hindi mixed Odia saying, which I read in an Odia short story titled "ANDHARUA" during childhood.
"ABE PARASU, JABE PARASU,
BABU PARASURAM;
PAISA KYA NA KARE KAAM."
Roughly transliterated....
Come Peter, Go Peter,
Oh My Lord Peter,
Money Can do,
Tremendous wonder".
Money, Money, Money.
Brighter than sunshine,
Sweeter than honey.
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