Over commercialisation of cricket
Mahendra Singh Dhoni started his life as a ticket collector in the Indian Railways. Now, after playing cricket for some years, he is rich beyond imagination. He lives in a palatial house in Ranchi, owns many expensive sports cars, motorcycles and what not. Thanks to the game of cricket, more aptly to over commercialisation of cricket. Cricket sells and sells like crazy.
Recently, match fixing in cricket hit the headlines again. This time three Pakistani players were involved- Salman Butt, M. Arif and Ameer. The average pay of a Pakistani cricketer is equivalent of Indian Rs. 16 lakh per annum excluding match fees, sponsorship money or money gotten through domestic events like the IPL or other tournaments. For an average Indian player it stands at Rs.60 Lakh. Indian players earn that much because of their robust economy, sponsorships, endorsement and 'over commercialisation'. Pakistanis are well paid as per Pakistani standard. Still, many are unhappy and overly greedy. What a shame and pity!
Betting is a part of the culture in many countries. Over commercialisation in all spheres is bringing in more wealth but breaking up families, disturbing the social fabric, and creating all kinds of problems for the societies in the sub-continent. Happiness and peace of mind are fast becoming elusive dreams. We don't know where we are heading towards. Can't we stop for a moment and ponder when, where and how to apply the brakes to over commercialisation and say enough is enough!
God does not like those who cross the limits.
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