More than just a game...

The gentleman's game. Yes. It has always been called so. Cricket is more than just a game. It evokes passion. From the early days of colonial pastime to a genuine modern entertainment spectacle, cricket has come a long way. But something about it has not changed. And that is this. It is more of a talking sport than a playing one. You dont need to play it to know its nuances. Its intricacies. Every person among the millions outside the boundary lines is as knowledgeable as the few inside it. Or so it is supposed to be. From the chawls of Mumbai to the beaches of the Caribbean, from the meadows of Old England to the clubs in Sydney, everyone loves to talk about it. Yes, everyone loves more to talk about it than play it. Scarcely, nay impossible would it be to find another game as this....

Every household that is glued to this game knows what I am talking about. The old timers still go by the cut of Bradman and the drives of Sobers. The 70s generation has the swagger of Richards etched in their memories. They still fondly talk about the great fast bowlers of those times. The pace and accuracy of Holding, Lillee and Marshall came naturally to people's discussions. For me and most of the 90s baby boomers, the most remarkable players would be Sachin, Lara and Warne. Decades from now, I and my friends am sure will continue to talk about the consistency of Sachin, the pure artistry of Lara and the magic of Warne. Yes, there have been scandals. There has been talk of corruption. Agreed, there is now an overdose of commercialism. Some say there is no art nor grace left in the game. It is now more like a mechanical science. Has its mix of management theories. Something that can be perfected by repetition. But, amidst all this, cricket talk still retains its innocence and charm. Be it between fathers and sons or even between two friends. Behind every fervent plea from a cricket tired wife or girlfriend is still that curiosity to know the latest score....

How I miss my cricket talk with some of my friends? I know some of them are very passionate. Every win of their favorite team is like a personal win for them. Every century scored by their favorite batsman is simply adding to their treasure trove. Every milestone that their favorite bowler reached is memorized by them. I miss the talk. There would be times when everyone else would make lighthearted fun of that one guy whose larger than life player failed or his deeply adored team lost. There would even be times when one of us would feel vindicated at having made a prediction that just came true...."See, I told you na" kinda moment. The gleam in the eyes when the team won. The downcast faces when the team lost. Cricket is not just any sport. It is something that every cricket lover takes pride in. And his or her heart has something to say about it. And there is every effort made to appear well informed about the game. Everyone offers their two cents advice before the game. During the game. And indeed after the game. But it is more than that. There is criticism and praise. There is emotion filled chirpiness. The game's uncertainties add to the thrill. Everyone just basks in the joy of the spectacle of this beautiful game...

Give us a bat and a ball. And we will play for a few hours. But take us to see a game of bat and ball. And we will talk about it for the next few days. And even remember that lovely game after many years....