Cricket

Cricket's Insecurity Complex: The BCCI's Artificial AidIndia, one of the world's top cricket teams, has a history of receiving artificial aid from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). This practice has raised concerns about the BCCI's insecurity and its impact on the integrity of the sport.In the recent T20 World Cup, the BCCI altered the pitch ahead of the semifinal without the knowledge of the International Cricket Council (ICC). This move was seen as an attempt to provide an advantage to the Indian team. Similarly, in the 50-over World Cup, the BCCI ensured that India's final league game was against a weaker opponent, bolstering their Net Run Rate.The BCCI's mollycoddling of the Indian team extends beyond pitch manipulation. The board has also been accused of scheduling matches at times and venues that favor India. For instance, the T20 World Cup semifinal was scheduled to start at 10.30 a.m. (for television back home) and there was no reserve day, despite the high probability of rain in Guyana.These actions suggest that the BCCI lacks confidence in the Indian team's ability to win on its own merits. It is as if the board believes that India needs artificial assistance to overcome its perceived inferiority complex.However, this insecurity is unfounded. India has a talented and experienced team, led by the exceptional Rohit Sharma. They have proven their mettle in numerous tournaments, including the 2011 World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy.The BCCI's artificial aid not only undermines the integrity of the sport but also sends a negative message to the Indian team. It implies that they are not good enough to win without external help. This can erode their confidence and hinder their development.It is time for the BCCI to shed its insecurity and embrace a more confident approach. They should trust in the abilities of their team and allow them to compete on a level playing field. By doing so, they will not only enhance the credibility of Indian cricket but also foster a culture of fair play and sportsmanship.