This is a very interesting debate. Slightly heated at times and slightly partisan at times. I strongly believe national security comes first. We have had cricket and IPL began as a jamboree; yes, it has created money for many companies. I don't know the figures but IPL should create a money flow of Rs. 5000 crores for the economy. So, would the elections with its white and black money create a money flow. However, from a financial perspective, I am not too sure if 'an impetus' of elections and IPL of, let's say Rs. 15,000 crores, would be sufficient to give the economy a big boost. It might and it might not.
If you look at it from the economic angle, as some people are trying to see it, let us look at the flip side of the coin. Staggering IPL dates at the same time as the elections and stretching the security people would also carry a major financial downside in case of any security issue or even hoax threats. It could affect audiences and could create further complications. Any untoward catastrophe, God forbid, would lead to a major financial mess, something quite akin to what the American aviation industry faced after 9/11.
Now, from the national security angle, something that I would like to analyze. I think it is shameful to take such a huge risk. IPL dates could be changed. Also, there is another aspect here. The presence of Pakistani cricketers in IPL could also heighten security problems. I understand people would say that not including Pakistani players would be bowing down to the terrorists etc etc but I do believe that when something unprecedented happens, it isn't the best time to show false bravado. The attack on SL players is like the attack on Israeli players at the Munich Olympics. I understand there is a lot of money at stake in cricket.
I know some of our colleagues here would feel bad. However, I have often wondered about the 'trickle down' effect, if at all, these events have had from an economic perspective. Suppose, Rs. 2000 crore is spent on TV ads, suppose Rs. 3000 crore is 'unofficially' spent on betting/gambling, suppose Rs. 1000 crore is spent on the players, suppose Rs. 50 crore is spent on ad agencies and PR companies... great, wonderful; but how does it really rescue the economy which is down in the dumps?
Difficult. Please keep on thinking and discussing. And please agree and disagree.
Roomy Naqvy
*Please see my blog, Issues in Academics, at http://issuesinacad
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