There was no self promotion with Kerry unlike some of the IPL team owners
There was no self promotion with Kerry unlike some of the IPL team owners
Dear Everton,
Just received your email from South Africa griping about the rain and the subdued atmosphere compared with the Indian Premier League in India.
I was intrigued by your query about cricketers playing for businessmen.
Yes, to a degree the IPL is a similar experience to playing for Kerry Packer during World Series Cricket (WSC) in the late seventies.
The big difference from traditional cricket administration was the concept of playing in accordance with the laws. Whilst at times players might bend the laws to creaking point, businessmen have no qualms about breaking rules and regulations.
In WSC, there was a cut off time for the lights in Melbourne. When it became obvious one night the overs weren't going to be bowled in time, one of Packer's lieutenants informed him of the situation. "No problem," bellowed Kerry, "turn off the electronic scoreboard and then no one will know the time."
It may have seemed like the perfect business solution but it resulted in Australia and the West Indies receiving different messages about the overs remaining and the target score.
In the confusion, the West Indies won and a very grumpy Australian side vented their anger on Packer.
You're right though Everton, unlike some IPL owners, Packer was never into self-promotion.
Kerry tried to avoid personal publicity, he was actually very shy. And while he may have occasionally forcibly expressed his opinion about players' ability or some of his unusual tactical ploys, he never once interfered with my captaincy.
It's tempting when a businessman has bank-rolled a team to want a say in cricket matters, but it generally creates huge problems.
A clever businessman knows what to delegate.u00a0
And Everton it's a bit rich to say with all the rain in South Africa they might as well have played the IPL in UK.
Apart from Old Trafford being a degree warmer than the North Pole at this time of year, it would also mean starting the early game at 11.30 am in the UK.
That might be the perfect time for a "heart starting" swig of your favourite rum, but not for a T20 match.
And by the way, when you have a drink with your new best mate Warney, tell him to "extract the digit" if he wants the Rajasthan Royals to repeat. Don't worry mate he'll understand; it's good old Australian slang.
All the best,Chappelli
