Playing down the wrong line

It has become fashionable to slam the IPL and to be fair, consistent controversy surrounding the high profile event provides much fodder for criticism.

However, some critics don't have the digestive systems to accept that it is an attractive product in the cricket bazaar.

The latest to join the slam gang is Tony Greig, born in South Africa, played and captained England and lives in Australia. Greig doesn't like the idea of the IPL getting an ICC window. Sure, the game's rulers would set a bad precedent if the IPL is given a place on the international calendar because other countries (Lanka and Aus will organise their T20 gig) would expect the same. However, it has never been announced that the BCCI, which runs the IPL, has asked for a window.

"It is laughable that Gayle and Pollard are playing in the IPL when the West Indies are playing Pakistan ufffd that is just ridiculous," Greig told BBC. Sure, it is an extraordinary situation, but both players belong to a Board known for paucity of professionalism, prudence and priority.

Just for the record, Greig was a significant figure in the formation of the Kerry Packer circus in 1977. Yes, he played for the World XI while the rest of his England mates were playing official cricket. And though the Packer series lasted only three seasons, it had a good effect on the game.u00a0

Despite its ills, the IPL has attracted more people to the game and that's a victory of sorts. Wonder whether Greig would have been critical of the event had he been behind the microphone at matches.

Yesterday, Greig was quoted as saying that Dennis Lillee, the great Australian fast bowler, couldn't accept a caning from opposition batsmen all that well. Greig may or may not be right, but some cricket pundits believe it was Greig who triggered off Australia's pace assault in the 1974-75 Ashes. In Australia's first innings of the opening Test at Brisbane, Greig bowled Lillee a bouncer that caught the tailender off guard and wicketkeeper Alan Knott ended up accepting the edge. As Lillee walked past Greig on his way to the dressing room, he told his foe, "just remember who started this." Lillee and Jeff Thomson's annihilation of England that summer is an integral part of history.

England also suffered humiliation by the end of the 1976 series against the West Indies after captain Greig said he would make the visitors grovel in his pre-series build-up.

So much for Greig's views!