IPL has nothing to do with good ol' cricket

Super, fantastic, marvellous, eye-catching... these are some of the adjectives that have been used to describe the IPL.

I can't understand why. I am sick of the aggressive marketing, the glittery inaugural ceremony, the flamboyant designer sporting outfits and the scantily-clad cheerleaders who wouldn't know the difference between a six and a four.

Added to that are the celebrities and the common man who otherwise don't watch cricket, but turn on the TV to watch the IPL.

As a pukka traditionalist, I can't understand how cricket has been brought down to this level. Where is the cricket without frills and furbelows? Just plain and enticing Test cricket.

But I have to admit that there is some substance to the IPL as well. Like when Ricky Ponting ran up to pat his nemesis Ishant Sharma or when youngsters get a chance to showcase their talent alongside the greats of the game.

But I still believe that the IPL is not cricket.