Monday, October 13, 2008
Fabulous Four, the Eternal Virtual Artists of the World Cricket
I am always waiting for the best cricket. Basically I personally have lots of debt to
The Great Artists of world football and Cricket.
Indian Cricket has reached in great height after 2000 . It was Just possible for the
Four eternal artists of Indian Cricket. Yes They have already got the Tag of fabulous
Four. They are none other than Sachin Tendulkar, Rahhul Dravid , Sourav Ganguly
And VVS Laxman.
This is the era of the open market. Every thing is a product in here. Basically 20-20
Cricket is a new format for the entertainment of the cricket. Those of us who were following the cricket even after birth have some compatibility issue with such form of game.
Basically Major problem of any game is," if you want to change the full structure of the game for the corporate interest , You need to do lots of sacrifice with the quality of this
game". In such kind of game Bowlers are effected very badly. Batsman can’t stick to their
basic and technique. In fact Major problem is that 20-20 type of tournament never gave
a cricketer to groom up properly. But way things are going on I don’t have idea where
these things will be end. Media is so much powerful medium that they can make any average product to super class Via endorsement.
Current Indian Cricket is the biggest example of this. Basically Lalit Modi has already
Got the touch stone on the form of IPL. They have already declared it as the model
Of English Premier league. But Fact is that English Premier league or Serie A never
Become competitor of the National team and Class Players. Club football has lots
Of contribution for the development of the game of soccer. But major problem is that Cricket
is not a global game. It is almost impossible to make it globalized as football.
It is great that such a regional game has taken significant position in Word sports.
This Game has great Classic materials and If we compromise with this classic materials,
The game will loose its originality.
You can’t replace basic of any thing Via hype . It is not called reformed. Six a side cricket
Was implemented but it did not get success. Major problem is that in such kind of
System we are going to sacrifice the class players of the world cricket.
First test of India –Australia is the biggest example of it. After IPl I have watched a number of Novice and Cricket Illiterate people are going to take part in sports media.
One of the biggest example is Manish Vallicha of Neo Sports. His back ground is that
He was a Radio Jockey. But This Guy suddenly starts to take part in Cricket Hosting
Seriously. So Basic difference is coming up while Harsha Bhogley, Charu Sharma and
Even RK of Neo sports are conducting any cricket discussion.
Now a days Media needs people like Manish Vallicha or Mandira Bedi to promote the
game to another audience who have very much less interest about cricket. But over all
standard is getting not only down big time but also effecting the cricketers again.
Basically After winning of 20-20 world Cup India did have a very big Hype about
Indian current Captain MS Dhoni. I have great respect for Dhoni as a bold cricketer
And performer. But he is not at all fit as the status of Fab 4 and all.
Here is the problem. After success of 20-20 Lots of New Channels are coming with out
Proper experience.
In that Case they will promote more about the heir style of Dhoni and present him as the
Bigger even than Brad Man.
Basically , this Bangalore test is eye opener for all Boards, Cricket lovers and Cricketers.
Way Great Anil Kumbley and Fab 4 were going through pressure was unthinkable,
But end of their Cricketing Carriers way Tendulkar and Laxman Batted in a low bouncy and super slow wkt will be the big lesson for the promising Cricketers.
I am proud to say that I am almost the same age of the great Tendulkar, Dravid, Laxman and Ganguly. I think In last one decade we have seen the Monopolistic aggression of Aussies in world cricket. But these were the display of power play.
But these Four Eternal Visual Artists will be immortal in world cricket for their Class with aggression. May be They were the Last saviors of the test Cricket.
World Cricket will be great full to India to present such artists in world Cricket. But
Same BCCI will be the Court of the True Cricket lovers to destroy the spirit of the game.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
The Last Action Hero

Sourav Ganguly has given an interview to the Kokata Daily Anandabazar & Aaj kaal after his retirement. It is clearly indicating that in our subcontinent how badly a sportsman
Is treated at end of his carrier. Basically what I have told my on my previous notes
That our sub continent makes any one hero for the success and even does not take single
time to ditch any one. This is because of the lack of sports culture.
Sourav Ganguly is undoubtedly most successful captain of India
and one of the best batsmen of cricket history. Here is the translation of some important
part of his interview-
Q: Why do you suddenly give this declaration?
Ans: I have taken the decision earlier. Just wanted to escape burden on the eve of the series.
Q: Is it not difficult for you to be out of Cricket while you are the guy who can do shadow
At 2 Am?
Ans: I am also surprised that I have made this declaration. But trust me I am not feeling that bad
Q: Since when have you been thinking for retirement?
Ans: Actually while I was out from Irani Trophy, I had made my mind almost. It was a night mare . I could not sleep at night. It was very tough for me to stay at home and decided not to give up. I did not expect to get call for Australia series
but I was hopeful because of new Selection committee . So As I have got the chance,
simply don’t want to give chance any one.
Q: who are they?
Ans: I don’t want to tell any one’s name. But tell me one thing, “why should I be in trial in every time? “You media people told After come back I was the most successful . then why should I be thrown just for one bad series? How long I will fight? If we make
Too much pump on a bladder, it will be burst automatically .
Q: There is the speculation for the VRS of the seniors. Are you the starting point?
Ans: I don’t know who has spread this. Is it possible to tell some one after particular day you won’t play. Should you tell sachin, Rahul and Laxman?All of them are performing
for 12 years. when they will feel for the call off , they leave themselves.About myself I have understood I will be always on Gun point and I will be scrutinized for
any reason. You can’t play like that. So It is better to quit . Cricket may not
Be in life but life will be there.
Q: Gavaskar told , “ You and Laxman are always on Gun point.”
Ans: Every thing is possible in Indian Cricket . while Greg ( chapel) made me out of team, they took T P Sing instead of me. But where is he now?
Some one has not made run in last three series. One cricketer has not got run even in one year. Some one has changed his hair style more than score. That’s why I asked Chika
(Srikanth) to let me play in peace and he has agreed.
Q: what is your greatest achievement in your whole cricketing life?
Ans: 99% people will tell about the success of my captaincy. But I want to tell about our team. Sachin, Rahul, Laxman, Kumbley and me have changed the face of Indian cricket
Together. When India had traveled to the overseas , every body was sure about our defeat. But Scenario is changed after 2000. You can’t alone make a team . It is the
Result of united effort.
So my team was the actual captain. So before my departure I wan to tell my team mates
“ Thank you Mates.”
This is how a sportsman is treated in this subcontinent. Honestly speaking I was watching Indian cricket for the Fab four. I can pay any amount to see the batting
Of VVS Laxman.
It is sad that a bunch of criminals are seating in BCCI . Board president Shashank Manohar is accused for multiple reason in here
“To know Shashank Manohar better, one has to go back to 26th November 1995. It was an ODI played between India and New Zealand when the VCA stadium wall collapsed, killing 13 people and injuring over 70. And who were responsible? Shashank Manohar himself, along with his father V.R. Manohar, the bosses of the VCA stadium - allegely these guys had contracted a close relative of theirs for the construction of the wall. It isn't a surprise that a man responsible for cricket's biggest onfield tragedy is the vice-president of the board.”
Current Secretary N Srinivasan is another controversial character “ Being a Secretary
Of the board this guy still owning IPL Franchise Chennai Super king which is one of the biggest conflict of interest. Funniest thing they are accusing Mr Dalmiya for the corruption but this guy was the treasurer.
I don’t want to sepak about lalit Modi any more. He can do or undo any thing for IPL and money.
Even Senior person Like IS Bindra also told “ Betting should be legalized In Cricket.”
I don’t know if Indian Govt will declare any VRS for those joker officials or not
Basically 20-20 has already started to bleed the cricket badly.
To day Bangladesh Media is going after our 14 cricketers for joining ICL. BCCB blindly
Banned them for 10 years. I have seen support of some suhil friends of mine.
They are not stopped even to spread venom about the personal life of cricketers.
But have ever thought that what the security these cricketers do have.
One of the most successful Batsmen of Pakistan history Inzamam-ul –Haq was
Shown door by the Pakistan cricket control board. But Inzi has done lot for Pakistan cricket.
So I am happy for Alok and Aftab to secure their life in ICCL.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
BEGINNING OF THE END OF FABOULOUS FOUR

I like to go back to the late 80s of Dhaka. There was a 4 nation under 19 tournament . India was the champion of this tournament. In fact
This Indian team was the future India team. Ajoy Jadeja, Vinod kambly, Ranjiv Bishwal,
Late Dhruv Pandab, Bhupinder Sing, Jateen ParanJapey and another name was Sourav Ganguly. In fact It was my teen age days and I was very excited to see those teen agers.
But this name Sourav Ganguly gave me huge attention. During those days west Bengal media
Was so much vocal about injustice to Bengal from BCCI. This old record was very common. But it is not always Bengal Media was right. They were very much vocal about
Arun lal. But It was known fact there was no such quality player who could match the Indian team. So name Sourav Ganguly kept my interest high.
Then success of debut series against England of him and Rahul Dravid are history. Sachin Tendulkar established himself then as the star of Indian cricket. Then here came
South Africa Series India had witnessed of VVS Laxman.
With out a doubt this middle order ( Tendulkar, Dravid, Ganguly and Laxman) is
One of the best middle orders of the history of the World cricket. It is the best luck of India
That they have got such super class Batsman at a time.
But again problem of Indian cricket is of the whole subcontinent not to adopt proper
Sports culture. Virendra Sehwag has been groomed him self nicely under Fab four. Test
Cricket is a complete different ball game. Sehwag is extremely success full because he went to bat with out pressure while Yuvraj Sing could
Not capitalize his extreme talent in test cricket.
India is now in a transition period as the Australia of late 80s while a number of cricketing greats had retired . Australian cricket was rebuild centralizing Allen Border.
But Indian cricket is different now . Border got people like Dean Jones, Geoff Marsh,David Boon, Mark Tailor , Waugh brothers . Then they don’t need to look behind.
Sourav Ganguly did same thing for India while India was sank in betting controversy.
People like Virendra Sehwag, Yuvraj Sing, Mohd Kaif, Zaheer Khan, Asish Nehra, Harbajan Sing , Irfan
Pathan were discovery of Sourav . But fact was that there was also visionary like Jagmohan Dalmiya from whom he had got full support.
Now Post Fab four and Anil Kumbley era I am not very much optimistic about Indian Cricket.
MS Dhoni , Yuvraj Sing are purely adopted by 20-20 culture. This Current Indian team has not been tested in green top surface in overseas while Fab four was the most successful
In South Africa, Australia and England.
Now the actual testing period of Indian cricket starts
Sunday, September 14, 2008
ICL , BANGLADESH AND WHAT'S NEXT?

It is Lazy Sunday. As usual I had an eye on Daily Prothom- Alo. Normally I only read the sports news. In last some days I lost interest of the Political Circus of Bangladesh.,
But one Head line of respected UtpolShuvro was just like the bolt from the blue to me.
14 Bangladesh Cricketers are joining ICL including ex captain Habibul Bashar, Two
Star Batsman Alok Kapali , Aftab Ahmed and ex vice captain Shahriar Nafees .
My reaction was mixed . ICL as known as rebel league of Indian Cricket.
BCCI is become the USA of world cricket. Mr Sharad Pawer can be called the George Bush and David Morgan is just the Ban –Ki –Moon of world cricket.
So every fair and unfair did of Hyena Lalit Modis are authorized by ICC.
Those who are attached with ICL, International cricket is become the forbidden kingdom for them though Cricketing greats Kapil Dev or Tony Greg are leading
In fact IPL is inspired by ICL but still ICC does not recognize ICL. Cricketing world has taken this news as hot cake.
If Bangladesh loose Class Cricketers like Aftab and Alok , We need long time to fill up their gap.
But I mentioned my reaction is mixed but I am happy for the Cricketers. If Aftab or Kapali makes $200,000 per season. At least they will get proper respect , exposes and
Value. What did these boys get by playing for national team? Yes National Blazer , Stardom and equally mental stress. I am sorry for my National team and equally sorry
For this game of Cricket. This great game is become most popular in a region where there is no sports culture. This game is become monopoly of some Mafia people. Team like Bangladesh is suffering for that. If we can manage to develop proper sports culture,
We may not see these days. We must be apologized to Sir WG Grace for killing the right spirit of Cricket. Srilankan board is also rescheduling their England tour just because of IPL.
I am a die heart fan of Fabulous Four of Indian Cricket. May be they are the last representative of actual cricket.
Now Bangladesh team should take the right step . They should not bow down to any un ethical decisions. They should see the interest of the players and equally for the future of
Bangladesh cricket.
Monday, August 11, 2008
RIGHT SPIRIT OF THE GAME&A TALE OF TWO MASTER SPINNERS AND FABULOUS FOUR

Image Source: The Hindu
Adam Gilchrist and Sourav Ganguly have expressed their desire
Of the inclusion of 20-20 format of the cricket in the Olympic. I know one day
This format will be more popular. But I don’t know this Craze of Globalization will write the grand finale of this game or not on the base of
Whims .
Media claims that Cricket is religion in sub continent. But is it the
Religion or Just status symbol of some Media and Upper Class or
Just become a Business?
Some times I ask myself that question while I am watching people Like Lalit Modis are taking
Highest chair.
Can we compare the Cricket of subcontinent to the Soccer of Brazil where they
Treat Soccer as religion?
Absolutely not. "Joga Bonita" is a genre which is attracted to people from age after age.
Sports are the biggest means of entertainment .
If we notice cautiously we will see Cricket is Popular in this region but from
1975-2007 We will notice Cup went 6 times to Non Asian countries. Asian
Countries won only three times. Even If we watch the Test records we will see
Domination of Australia, South Africa, West Indies and England in Cyclic order.
Then why is Cricket so popular? Just because we have got some Exceptional Stars
In this game . Sunil Gavaskar, Imran Khan, Kapil Dev and Javed Miandad have given us first the taste of super stardom. After that we are getting some
Mega stars on the form of Sachin Teldulkar, Washim Akram and Muttiah Muralitharan . List is endless But Sub continental cricket boards owes lots to
Their national Heroes. But Unfortunately because of one or two bad patch the behaviour they have got from their Countrymen is unthinkable.
I am grateful to SriLanka that they have given actual level playing field and professionalism to the Sub continent.
Previously Cricket means India- Pakistan to the people of this region.
Instead of right spirit of the game, media of these two countries made real mess of
The cricket. But end of the day sufferer was the Great Cricketers.
India – Sri Lanka test series are the biggest example of it. I personally rated this series
Is one of the best I have ever seen? Way Two Master Spinners Murali Dharan & Ajantha Mendis
Were Bowling against
One of the most brilliant batting line up of all time was splendid. Murali was always
Great but Mendis I have no word for him. What a discovery! He can ball leg Spin,
Off spin, Google, Doosra, Leg Cutter, Off Cutter, Flipper, and Arm Ball. Over the top
his own Invention of Carrom Ball. I don’t think Cricketing world watched such an Unconventional bowler with Variation before.
But I am equally feeling very bad that while Indian Media and some people spoke
Worst about the fabulous Four ( Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman ) and great Anil Kumbley.
According to me India will need another 30 years to get the class of these Fantastic
Four. Obviously they can be compared with only the Three WS of West Indies.
I will again go back to my old point. If Cricket is popular just because of those stars
Who have dedicated whole of their life for this great game.
So Before their Departure at least they should get proper respect. So Future Star Ajantha Mendis does not need to search a time machine to see what will happened after
15 years to fag end of his Illustrious Carrier.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Welcome Ajantha Mendis
I will start my write Up with some points-
1)Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid and Vvs Laxman are known as fantastic four on Indian Cricket. All together They have made 30,000 + run in Test cricket.
2) Indian Batsmen are simply masters against spin bowling . I can give Instance
of two Occasions.
Shane Warne is undoubtedly the all time best spinner In the world. But Indian Batsmen were always a big mystery to him. After getting testing time from even
Indian Tale ender, he made comments that
“ The Indians play spin even in sleeping.”
Gavaskar and VengSarkar. While he tried to do his major weapon Google , even
From Non Striking end both Gavaskar an vengsarkar were shouting “ GOOGLE.”
He was frustrated. So The biggest test of a spinner to play against Indian Batsman.
We know Murali very well. But I am spell bound to See Ajanta Mendis. Srilanka
Is champion to provide natural unconventional talent. Sanath Jayasuriya , Muthiah MuraliDharan, Lasith Malinga have already proved and now new addition is Ajantha Mendis.
He is a new discovery of world cricket. Now, we are starting to forget essence of Test cricket.
Now this game is become the business of the Lalit Modis. But Natural Talent like Mendis is Fresh Air in world Cricket.
He is an off spinner . But he can equally give Google and Doosra . Most important is
His bowling grip and he hold it like Carom. So his carom grip is getting popular.
Even four greats of
We have great expectation from this wonderful discovery of the world cricket.
"WEL COME AJANTHA MENDIS."
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
USA-INDIA NEUCLIAR AGREEMENT AND GOOD BYE MR NEHRU

I wish I would have a time machine and I want to go back on 1960 .My destination is Newyork of 1960 .I like to ask pandit Nehru , " Does he have enough
cougrage to see current India?." I am sure next genaration of India
won't remember,
'Jawaharlal Nehru of India, Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana, Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt, Sukarno of Indonesia and Josip Broz Tito of Yugoslavia
Have founded an international organization called The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) an of states considering themselves not formally aligned with or against any major power bloc. It was founded in April 1955". The purpose of the organization as stated in the Havana Declaration of 1979 is to ensure "the national independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and security of non-aligned countries" in their "struggle against imperialism, colonialism, neo-colonialism, racism, Zionism, and all forms of foreign aggression, occupation, domination, interference or hegemony as well as against great power and bloc politics. Now all those words look like a fantacy.
It is 2008. Equlibrium of the power is effected lots after cold war. No countries are divided any more in NATO or the Warsaw Pact.
United States of America is become not only the Super power but also become the
Capcital of defense and Economy.
I wish I would bring Mr Nehru to 2008. He even could see,' how his own party is desperate to execute the Nuclear deal". Now
“
The Left-UPA divorce on Tuesday capped a tumultous relationship on several thorny issues -- ranging from the Indo-US nuclear deal to the rising prices of essential commodities and the government's inclination to open up financial and retail sectors to foreign direct investment.
After agreeing with the UPA's Common Minimum Programme and extending their support to the Congress-led coalition when it came to power, the Left continued to maintain that the government should not deviate from it.
The trouble became pronounced when Prime Minister Manmohan Singh made his first official visit to the
Singh's visit had followed that of then Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee who had signed the Indo-US Strategic Defence Framework Agreement, which led to increasing military ties and joint exercises between the two defence forces.
The Left, which had been opposing the government's "neo-liberal" economic policies, opened another front against its foreign policy while accusing it of ignoring the CMP.
In the context of the rising inflation graph, the outside supporters made a series of recommendations, including banning of futures trading and slashing of taxes and duties on oil products, but complained that their views were not considered by the government.
Now what is so special about this agreement-
Hindustan Times has some interesting Notes in here.
After shocking death of brilliant Rajiv Gandhi the whole political scenario of sub continent has changed. This agreement will give free passage of
At last I want to say Good Bye Pandit Nehru.
Follow the policy of a Chief executive officer of New East India Company. Now a
Days Robert clive is become old fashion. This is the era of Multi nationals. Dr Monmohan Sing is a Successful CEO of new East India Company .