IPL, national duty have their own place: Lee
Australian pace spearhead Brett Lee on Saturday rubbished suggestions that the Indian Premier League (IPL) will lure players away from national duty, saying both can co-exist without being detrimental to each other.
"I don't think we should compare or match IPL with Australian cricket team as both have their own place," said Lee, who would be playing for Kings XI Punjab, one of the eight IPL teams competing in the Twenty20 tournament beginning next week.
On being quizzed about a recent survey conducted by Australian Cricketers' Association (ACA) which says nearly half of the Aussie cricketers were willing to give up their central contracts to play in the cash-awash IPL, Lee said, "I don't think there is any reason why we can't do both (play for Australia and IPL simultaneously)."
"My heart is for Australian team and wearing Baggy Green cap is a great honour," he added.
The express bowler said he would give his "best" while playing for his IPL team "as I do when I play for Australia".
Apart from Lee, Kings XI Punjab will have Yuvraj Singh as "icon player" leading the side and will also feature Irfan Pathan, Sreesanth, Piyush Chawla, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardane, Romesh Powar, James Hopes, VRV Singh, Uday Kaul among other players.
Lee also felt players from different countries playing in one side "will also help strengthen bonds between the nations".
Lee had a word of praise for Indian pacers Irfan Pathan and Sreesanth, saying "they are world class bowlers".
"It would be great to share the new ball with them," he said.
Coach Tom Moody said he does not see motivation as a problem among players just because they come from different nations/regions.
"They are all professionals and have played in different conditions at different times...a lot of pride is at stake," Moody said.
Preity Zinta also expressed hope that her team would do well in the tournament.
Asked about the possibility that a section of the media may boycott the IPL in view of the restrictive clauses put forth by the League, Zinta said she would like to be "positive about the whole thing".
"I hope that a middle path will be followed and let's hope it works out," she said.
Later, Lee and Zinta kick-started ticket sales at the PCA stadium.
'A captain has to be emotionless'
Cool dude is a tag that sits easy on MS Dhoni. In a short stint, the Indian ODI & T20 skipper has shown quite a phlegmatic attitude in stressful situations. In a chat with Ajay Naidu , MSD speaks his heart out on pressure, money & hype.
There is a growing concern suddenly that the new kids on the block are getting too much money from the game. Do you think this is detrimental?
Well, if you see the young guys now they are quite intelligent. They realise quickly that all the money is flowing in because they are doing well in cricket. The moment they start giving more emphasis to money, their cricket will deteriorate. They also realise that if they play good cricket more money will flow in. I think they are all quite intelligent and won't allow money to affect them.
You are the T20 World Cup winning captain, the skipper of India's first-ever Tri-series triumph Down Under too. Now that expectations are bound to multiply, are you under more pressure as captain?
I always go by my own expectations. Of course, it's important to perform well and give your hundred percent. There will be additional responsibility on all guys after our showing in Australia, but we should not get burdened under the weight of huge expectations. We should know what we are capable of and what we should do to get the desired results.
Did you always lead your group of friends too before you suddenly got the reigns of Indian cricket?
I am not really a born leader. In fact, I haven't led any side before I became the Indian captain. But I always back my instincts. When the Indian captaincy was given to me, I took it as a challenge and a privilege.
Since you never led any team before actually becoming the Indian captain, how do you manage to look so comfortable in what is a very taxing job?
It is very taxing and very demanding, no doubt. Cricket is a religion in India. The expectation levels are too high. We play right through the year and people want us to win every game wherever we play. I guess if you have a good side with lots of potential, it eases the pressure on you.
You seem to have nerves of steel. Is that a true reflection of what's going on in your mind or do you simply manage to give that impression?
Well, at the international level, there is pressure on each and every individual. If you happen to be the captain, there's going to be some extra pressure as well. You have to look calm and cool because when you walk up to a bowler to boost him, you can't have a worried look on your face. That certainly won't help his confidence. A captain has to be emotionless, especially when he has to ask his bowlers and fielders to do certain things on the field. Deep down, however, you may be worried about your bowling changes and about your plans coming unstuck too.
You often back certain players to the hilt. What qualities do you look for in a player before deciding to give him a long rope?
It's important to have characters in the team. You want players who have the right attitude, are ready to give their best and are determined to win. Different players have different capabilities, so you've got to pick and choose. At times you may have to back someone. But it's important that he performs.
They say leading India is the toughest job in world cricket. Are you enjoying the job or have you started feeling the strain?
Well, I am enjoying the job. At least till now, things have been cool. The team has been doing well and the atmosphere in the dressing room is great. At the end of the day, you want to enjoy your cricket. That's your life. There will be tough times, there will be times when the team is not doing well enough, but the key is to maintain the same intensity level. We may not win every time but as long as the effort is there, as long as the dressing room atmosphere is good, it makes your job easy and worthwhile.
Some comments have been attributed to you suggesting that you tried to create a divide between seniors and juniors. It also gave the impression that your unprecedented success has gone to your head?
A lot has already been said about it, so I don't really want to get into it. At times, during the course of an interview, you can't elaborate each and every point. So that's when you can be misinterpreted. I think I am a fairly level-headed guy. My team knows it and all the seniors know that I have a lot of respect for them. It was a needless controversy. The team is strongly united. The players love and respect each other. There's great camaraderie within the group. That's what matters to me.
But the fact that BCCI chief Sharad Pawar had to intervene and actually drive home a point by announcing that you got the job only on the recommendation of Sachin Tendulkar...
Sachin Tendulkar is my childhood hero. I watched cricket only because of him and started playing the game too because of him. So I take it as a privilege that he found me worthy enough for the job. I am also grateful to the BCCI chief for making it clear that there's no division within the team. This is like one big family.
When I started playing for India we had great role models in the team like Sachin Tendulkar, Anil Kumble, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly, VVS Laxman and Virender Sehwag. Each one of them is a legend of the game and brings in a different flavour to the team. I have always respected, and appreciated what every senior in the side has achieved because I know the kind of hard work and sacrifice that is needed to be successful at this level. In my four years of international cricket, I have not only admired these cricketers but I've tried to learn and pick up a few things from everyone.
I have been impressed by Tendulkar's focus and devotion, Dravid's discipline, Kumble's determination, Ganguly's never-say-die attitude and Sehwag's audacity and will to dominate the bowling.
Right from your debut in 2004, you have had a dream run. How do you look back on your fairytale success. Do you ever get up in the middle of the night and pinch yourself to see if all this is for real?
I don't really pinch myself, but yes, God has been kind to me. It has been a steep graph for me. I got a chance to play the One-dayers. I did well and got into the Test side and I'm happy with my progress at this level. It feels good to know that you are doing well for your country and giving hundred percent.
Did you ever dream of such a turnaround in your life and career?
I don't dream much. I live in reality. I plan for the future and I believe in taking one step at a time. But, I give more than hundred per cent not just in matches but also in practice sessions. Luckily, I've been pretty successful in whatever I have touched so far.
You are already a huge celebrity. Talk us through the negatives of being a celebrity in India?
There are lots of them. First of all whatever celebrities do comes under the microscope. You just don't have a private life. And everybody wants a piece of you. They all want your autographs and photographs. Worse still, you are always in danger of getting into a controversy, thanks to the overzealous media. When I started playing for India in December 2004, it wasn't so bad. Since then, there has been a huge increase in the numbers too. And it is still growing.
So there's a lot of pressure on you from the media. On their part, the media promotes the players by highlighting their performances. They make you a star.
Monday, April 28, 2008
IPL CHEERLEADER CONTROVERSY
Maharashtra unlikely to ban cheerleaders at IPL matches
The Maharashtra government on Friday indicated a ban on cheerleaders at IPL T20 matches may not be enforced saying prima facie "there appears to be no violation of obscenity norms".
"There is a ban on dance bars in the state, not on dance," Deputy Chief Minister R R Patil told mediapersons.
However, Patil, who holds the Home portfolio, made it clear that if any police official feels the performance of cheerleaders at the forthcoming matches as obscene, he can take "necessary action".
"I am awaiting a report on this issue, which is expected by Saturday and then only would be able to comment further," Patil said.
"But prima facie, there appears to be no violation of obscenity norms."
Asked if he had seen the performance of cheerleaders or their reportage in media, Patil replied in the negative.
"The existing law on dance bars stipulates that dancing and serving alcohol cannot be done at the same place," Patil said.
When his attention was drawn to the statements by his deputy Sidhram Mhetre that cheerleaders may be banned, Patil quipped, "It seems he has not read the law properly."
Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh interjected: "The stadium where IPL matches are being held is not a bar."
Asked if the skimpily-clad cheerleaders, flown in from abroad, had proper work permit visas, Patil said "Anyone wanting to perform should have a proper visa... merely a tourist visa will not suffice."
IPL cheerleaders get a cover-up
Cricket fans at the IPL match in Nerul were in for a double treat. Not only were there cheergirls, but also cheerboys to encourage the spectators at the Dr D Y Patil Sports Stadium on Sunday. But restraint was shown in dress as well as dance.
The cheerleaders for the Mumbai Indians appeared in shiny blue lycra suits that covered their entire bodies under matching silvery skirts. What surprised the fans was the presence of male cheerleaders.
"Wow, they have girls and boys too," said one of the fans as they cheered on their favourites, the Mumbai Indians, who were playing the Team Hyderabad.
Following the recent statements of the Navi Mumbai police, that they would strictly monitor cheerleaders on closed circuit television to check if they were doing anything "vulgar", there were restrained dance steps performed at the stadium.
The cheerleaders mostly did aerobics on the ground to be on the safe side of the law.
Navi Mumbai police commissioner Ramrao Wagh was himself present at the stadium to watch the match.
Approximately 30 minutes before the match started, the cheerleaders were brought into the stadium in a minibus under tight security. Wagh said that he found the cheerleaders to be "well behaved". The cheerleading troupe danced to Hindi film tunes.
However, the controversy surrounding the cheerleaders was soon forgotten by the fans as the players made their way out to play.
A cricket official told TOI: "Everything is going smoothly and we are happy the security and other arrangements are perfect. The crowd’s reaction showed that the people are not here to just oogle at the cheerleaders but to watch the match and enjoy it."
The Maharashtra government on Friday indicated a ban on cheerleaders at IPL T20 matches may not be enforced saying prima facie "there appears to be no violation of obscenity norms".
"There is a ban on dance bars in the state, not on dance," Deputy Chief Minister R R Patil told mediapersons.
However, Patil, who holds the Home portfolio, made it clear that if any police official feels the performance of cheerleaders at the forthcoming matches as obscene, he can take "necessary action".
"I am awaiting a report on this issue, which is expected by Saturday and then only would be able to comment further," Patil said.
"But prima facie, there appears to be no violation of obscenity norms."
Asked if he had seen the performance of cheerleaders or their reportage in media, Patil replied in the negative.
"The existing law on dance bars stipulates that dancing and serving alcohol cannot be done at the same place," Patil said.
When his attention was drawn to the statements by his deputy Sidhram Mhetre that cheerleaders may be banned, Patil quipped, "It seems he has not read the law properly."
Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh interjected: "The stadium where IPL matches are being held is not a bar."
Asked if the skimpily-clad cheerleaders, flown in from abroad, had proper work permit visas, Patil said "Anyone wanting to perform should have a proper visa... merely a tourist visa will not suffice."
IPL cheerleaders get a cover-up
Cricket fans at the IPL match in Nerul were in for a double treat. Not only were there cheergirls, but also cheerboys to encourage the spectators at the Dr D Y Patil Sports Stadium on Sunday. But restraint was shown in dress as well as dance.
The cheerleaders for the Mumbai Indians appeared in shiny blue lycra suits that covered their entire bodies under matching silvery skirts. What surprised the fans was the presence of male cheerleaders.
"Wow, they have girls and boys too," said one of the fans as they cheered on their favourites, the Mumbai Indians, who were playing the Team Hyderabad.
Following the recent statements of the Navi Mumbai police, that they would strictly monitor cheerleaders on closed circuit television to check if they were doing anything "vulgar", there were restrained dance steps performed at the stadium.
The cheerleaders mostly did aerobics on the ground to be on the safe side of the law.
Navi Mumbai police commissioner Ramrao Wagh was himself present at the stadium to watch the match.
Approximately 30 minutes before the match started, the cheerleaders were brought into the stadium in a minibus under tight security. Wagh said that he found the cheerleaders to be "well behaved". The cheerleading troupe danced to Hindi film tunes.
However, the controversy surrounding the cheerleaders was soon forgotten by the fans as the players made their way out to play.
A cricket official told TOI: "Everything is going smoothly and we are happy the security and other arrangements are perfect. The crowd’s reaction showed that the people are not here to just oogle at the cheerleaders but to watch the match and enjoy it."
IPL CHEERLEADER CONTROVERSY
Maha govt to examine whether cheerleaders' act can be stopped
The issue of cheerleaders in the ongoing IPL T20 matches figured in the Maharashtra Legislative Council for the second time on Friday with the government saying that it would examine whether such performances could be stopped.
Minister of state for Home Siddharam Mhetre said that the government would examine the issue whether steps can be taken to stop such performances.
However, Deputy Chairman Vasant Davkhare said that such performances should not be allowed.
The issue was raised by Neelam Gorhe (Shiv Sena) who said that cricket matches had nothing to do with the dances of cheerleaders.
"Globalisation does not mean that we have to imbibe western influences," she said.
Gorhe called for restrictions on such performances while allowing smooth conduct of cricket matches.
Davkhare, who was in the chair, also agreed that performances by cheerleaders had nothing to do with cricket matches and called for stopping it.
Gorhe complained that since Friday television channels were carrying reports that the government will ban cheerleaders from performing in Mumbai.
"We would like the government to clarify on this issue," she said.
'Organisers to face action for cheerleaders indecency'
The issue of cheerleaders in the ongoing IPL T20 matches figured in the Maharashtra Legislative Council for the second time on Friday with the government saying that it would examine whether such performances could be stopped.
Minister of state for Home Siddharam Mhetre said that the government would examine the issue whether steps can be taken to stop such performances.
However, Deputy Chairman Vasant Davkhare said that such performances should not be allowed.
The issue was raised by Neelam Gorhe (Shiv Sena) who said that cricket matches had nothing to do with the dances of cheerleaders.
"Globalisation does not mean that we have to imbibe western influences," she said.
Gorhe called for restrictions on such performances while allowing smooth conduct of cricket matches.
Davkhare, who was in the chair, also agreed that performances by cheerleaders had nothing to do with cricket matches and called for stopping it.
Gorhe complained that since Friday television channels were carrying reports that the government will ban cheerleaders from performing in Mumbai.
"We would like the government to clarify on this issue," she said.
'Organisers to face action for cheerleaders indecency'
In the midst of controversy over the presence of cheerleaders at IPL matches, police on Friday said they could perform at the stadium in Navi Mumbai on April 27 but action will be taken against organisers if their act is found to be "vulgar" or "indecent". ( Watch )
"The girls are merely artistes who perform as per the instructions of organisers," Navi Mumbai Police Commissioner Ramrao Wagh said, adding that a performance license has been granted to the organisers of the match between Mumbai Indians and Deccan Chargers to be held at Nerul's D Y Patil stadium.
In the event of the cheerleaders indulging in obscenity, Wagh said, the "license holders" (the organisers) will be prosecuted under various provisions of the Bombay Police Act for indecency in a public place and breach of license terms.
Wagh, however said they had not received any directions from the state government on the issue yet.
Maharashtra's Minister of State for Home, Siddhram Mhetre had on Thursday told reporters that the government will not allow the cheerleaders to perform as their acts are "absolutely obscene" and wondered why the organisers required "semi nude" women at cricket matches.
The minister had said strict action will be taken if the cheerleaders violated the norms of decency in their attire.
However, he had not specified if action will be taken against the artistes or the organisers.
IPL CHEERLEADER CONTROVERSY
Shatrughan Sinha irked over presence of IPL cheerleaders
Actor-turned politician Shatrughan Sinha on Thursday lashed out at organisers of IPL matches for bringing cheerleaders to the stadiums and making a "mockery" of cricket. ( Watch )
"If you are so interested in deploying these girls who dance after hits of fours and sixes, it is better to give chance to the bar girls who have been rendered unemployed after Maharashtra government put a ban on dance in bars," Sinha said over phone from Mumbai.
"I am afraid that cricket, which has been shortened from five days to one day and now to the T20 format, might be reduced to 'Toss-Toss' in which the winner will be decided through toss," he said sarcastically.
Strongly criticising the move to bring cheerleaders from abroad for performing what he termed as "indecent dance" during Indian Premier League (IPL) matches, Sinha said it was "difficult to find cricket in these matches".
Sinha, who was also Union minister in Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led NDA government, took exception to the auctioning of players for the IPL tournament.
Shotgun Sinha appealed to the cricketing bosses to seriously ponder over the issue to save the glory of the great sport.
'Cheerleaders ok, if properly presented'
As cheerleaders at IPL cricket matches triggered a controversy, the National Commission For Women (NCW) felt there is nothing wrong with the concept but said the stage should be used to promote Indian culture by bringing folk dancers and musicians.
"I find nothing wrong with the concept if it is just for adding entertainment element to the game. It has to be presented in the right manner keeping the Indian values intact," NCW chairperson Girija Vyas said.
"I think we should promote our culture by bringing folk dancers and musicians in these matches. We have so much variety in our culture, dresses that after some point of time foreign countries will start imitating us."
Meanwhile, social activist Swami Agnivesh outrightly rejected the cheerleading concept and said it is degrading Indian culture.
"It is the height of vulgarity and it should be stopped. People in the age group of 10 to 70 years come to see matches with their families. In a country like India, the public representation of obscenity will not be tolerated," he said.
Some of the cheerleaders have been specially flown in from the US. The Vijay Mallya-owned Bangalore team has roped in "Washington Redskins Cheerleaders" to be its official cheerleaders. They will also select a group of cheerleaders in the country through a talent hunt.
Actor-turned politician Shatrughan Sinha on Thursday lashed out at organisers of IPL matches for bringing cheerleaders to the stadiums and making a "mockery" of cricket. ( Watch )
"If you are so interested in deploying these girls who dance after hits of fours and sixes, it is better to give chance to the bar girls who have been rendered unemployed after Maharashtra government put a ban on dance in bars," Sinha said over phone from Mumbai.
"I am afraid that cricket, which has been shortened from five days to one day and now to the T20 format, might be reduced to 'Toss-Toss' in which the winner will be decided through toss," he said sarcastically.
Strongly criticising the move to bring cheerleaders from abroad for performing what he termed as "indecent dance" during Indian Premier League (IPL) matches, Sinha said it was "difficult to find cricket in these matches".
Sinha, who was also Union minister in Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led NDA government, took exception to the auctioning of players for the IPL tournament.
Shotgun Sinha appealed to the cricketing bosses to seriously ponder over the issue to save the glory of the great sport.
'Cheerleaders ok, if properly presented'
As cheerleaders at IPL cricket matches triggered a controversy, the National Commission For Women (NCW) felt there is nothing wrong with the concept but said the stage should be used to promote Indian culture by bringing folk dancers and musicians.
"I find nothing wrong with the concept if it is just for adding entertainment element to the game. It has to be presented in the right manner keeping the Indian values intact," NCW chairperson Girija Vyas said.
"I think we should promote our culture by bringing folk dancers and musicians in these matches. We have so much variety in our culture, dresses that after some point of time foreign countries will start imitating us."
Meanwhile, social activist Swami Agnivesh outrightly rejected the cheerleading concept and said it is degrading Indian culture.
"It is the height of vulgarity and it should be stopped. People in the age group of 10 to 70 years come to see matches with their families. In a country like India, the public representation of obscenity will not be tolerated," he said.
Some of the cheerleaders have been specially flown in from the US. The Vijay Mallya-owned Bangalore team has roped in "Washington Redskins Cheerleaders" to be its official cheerleaders. They will also select a group of cheerleaders in the country through a talent hunt.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
