Bureaucratic Reactions

As with most other bureaucratic,monopolistic set-ups, the BCCI is another one which is 'reactive'.

Rewind 15 years,when India opened its doors to liberalisation and globalisation.Back then, Fiat and Ambassador were the only 2 available cars. Car monopoly was such that there were black bookings of cars 6-7 months in advance. Enter liberalisation, enter Maruti-Suzuki, and the Fiat monopoly fell flat on its face in less than 10 years.Whatever Fiat did in those 10 years, was reactive - done because of existence of competition. You cannot be a market leader by being reactive.

The folks in the BCCI are feeling something similar right now.Competition has come out of nowhere.And the BCCI is reacting.

Check out this,this and this.

By signing on the initial basket of domestic and international players, the ICL has sent out a clear message -that it means business.And this is what the ICC has to say about the whole thing. The ICC has learnt from the Kerry Packer breakaway of yore, and knows what happened to Australian cricket after that. The ICC, I'm sure,will be more than ready to wait and watch on what happens in the ICL v/s BCCI battle. It is in the ICC's interest to have a more professionally managed Indian cricket control body and a more competitive Indian domestic cricket scene.


My take - one,unless the ICL can sign on someone really big/experienced from the current Indian Cricket Team,it will not get the kind of mileage/importance which it is really looking for.Maybe someone like a Tendulkar/VVS Laxman/Sehwag/Ganguly etc.This will be a big coup and will need lot of money, but it will be worth it. Two, getting the right infrastructure(grounds,coaches,academies,practice facilities) will be key to their success.Three,they will have to rope in the 2 key Ms of today's entertainment business - money and media.

Will be interesting to see how this battle pans out.