ANOTHER DEADLY LESSON FOR INDIA IN BENGALURU

Country's passion for cricket remains unmatched — but its apathy to public safety stays unchanged

- BY MAKARAND R. PARANJAPE | Special to Gulf News

If there’s anything that Indians are crazy about — apart, that is, from politics and Bollywood — it’s cricket.

Cricket is not just a sport; it’s a national passion and pastime. Almost, it is almost a religion. Complete with its favourite deities (top rated cricketers), high priests (former players turned expert commentators), managers, team owners, and the millions upon millions of votaries.

Needless to add, it’s also big business, especially because the larger-than-life players become national heroes and celebrities, with huge endorsement revenues. As scandals in the past have proved, there is also the temptation and consequent downfall of succumbing to the enticements such as match fixing and betting.

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have finally lifted the coveted IPL trophy, grabbing the limelight after 18 long years of waiting in the wings. This despite their having legendary players like the hard-hitting West Indian giant, Chris Gayle, and the wiliest swisher of the willow, A.B. de Villiers — not to mention the continuing presence and leadership of the greatest Indian cricketer of recent times, Virat Kohli.

Celebrations turned into a tragedy

This great triumph was celebrated with a chartered flight to the HAL Airport, where the winning team was received by the state's deputy chief minister, D.K. Shivakumar, followed by a grand reception on the steps of the state Capitol, Vidhana Saudha. The victory parade was, thankfully, cancelled given how huge and unmanageable the ever-swelling crowds had become.