Eyeing the 'ball'ot box

06 May,2009 08:07 AM IST |   |  Sat Pal

In elections 2009 most political parties are fielding prominent cricketers.


In elections 2009 most political parties are fielding prominent cricketers. I feel, there is nothing wrong in exhorting cricketers to participate in political process, since criminals and cheaters have been allowed to contest elections and hold public offices, too.
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The bat wielding lot, I would say, is a much better choice since it is more disciplined and dedicated. This could be because they have true sportsmanship.

Mere Liye Fielding Karna: BJP candidate from East Delhi, Chetan Chauhan, during a political rally

Though some resent their presence in the political arena, I think one has no right to deny them their rightful place in the democratic process.


Why can't they perform in a world other than sports? Several Tinseltown people, too, have proved their mettle in the political sphere. Many have, in fact, ruled for decades and also groomed their kins for the political innings.

Why can't we hope the same from the cricketers? After all, they too wear whites and sweat it out tirelessly on international fields playing a sport that is no less uncertain than politics!

A political party, which is trying to gain power at the Centre, has announced ticketsu00a0 to several former cricketers like Chetan Chauhan, Kirti Azad and NS Siddhu.

Another party, which is heading the ruling alliance at the Centre, has also offered ticket to Madan Lal and former Indian captain Mohammed Azarhruddin.

Another party, which is aspiring to become au00a0 national party, has fielded Chetan Sharma the yesteryear bowler who's a hat trick expert.

The winning captain of the 1983 World Cup, Kapil Dev, too isn't devoid of political offers. He, however, has declined them all.

As they say, to each his own. Interestingly, veteran player Nawab Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, too, had tried his luck in the Lok Sabha elections earlier, but with a bitter defeat, his ambition remained unfulfilled.

Pataudi's fate isn't deterring the younger lot that is persistently treading the political path.

Let us enjoy this dance of democracy and sincerely wish good luck to all those cricketers who are harbouring political ambitions. Cheer'leading' can do a lot, you know!
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political parties cricketers criminals cheaters sportsmanship