CUTTACK 23-Apr-2010 161
Former India Test opener Aakash Chopra today appreciated the efforts in Orissa to boost cricket at the grassroots level. ‘‘A bike as the prize for the the man of PVR Murty Memorial Inter-School Cricket Tournament is a huge incentive for any young talent. We should learn a few things from Union Sporting Club, which organised this tournament,’’ he said after gracing the closing function at the Engineering School gound here.
Interacting with the media, Chopra felt cricket should not be blamed for the huge amount of money it generates in India and the financial irregularities occuring in IPL, feels Chopra. ‘‘Money is good for the game, good for the players and good for every one, who is contributing for the good of the game. But the huge money, generated through IPL, needs to be properly managed,’’ he said Chopra.
Now a television commentator, Chopra did not agree that the controversy, surrounding the IPL Kochi franchise had threatened to ruin the game in the country. ‘‘IPL controversy is a passing cloud. Of course, it has created a crisis, but that is temporary. The game is heading in right direction and it will overcome crisis,’’ observed the former Delhi opener, who also played for Kolkata Knight Riders earlier.
Praising the IPL, Chopra said the mega event had served as an ideal platform for young and lesser-known cricketers to showcase their talent. ‘‘IPL is now a big industry, providing employment opportunity to a wide range of professionals from different countries. It has also boosted the competitive level of the game,’’ he added.
Asked whether the IPL franchises were treating players as commodities, Chopra’s reply was a firm ‘no’. ‘‘Players are treated with respect. No franchise illtreats or disrespects a player irrespective of whether is a star or a little-known talent,’’ he asserted.
