Unbound Controversies @ LORDS (down ground)

The stalemate match --- 21.01.2010

The match began with the distribution of 19 players among 2 teams. With unequal distribution of 10 & 9 respectively, all frenetic players barring a few like MOTA (SLOTH BEAR) were anxious to mark their impression on this to be a historic match. The 2 captains go for the toss. Finally PRANAV wins the toss and there is no vacillating decision making, as always he decides to bat first. The opening pair takes their crease. 

In the scorching heat I decide to be the umpire. Not because of my capability of cheating but to grab the bat first as the first bat gets out.  Sordidly but from heart who damn cares for the team? You got to be selfish for getting to bat in the limited edition of game. (UNIVERSAL TRUTH)

The first phase of the game doesn’t go smooth. As the lady luck fortuitously was with the opposite team. Some examples of the sorry state of affairs were Mayanks one hand catch, Pranav getting run out that on a 5 x 10 cm red brick kept at bowler’s end, Archit getting bold on Ankit’s loose delivery etc. Finally after such disaster we reach a respectable total of 91 in 14 overs. The total was not even challenging but thanks to some amazing bowling display by ARCHIT and PRANAV .They maked the target as  something unachievable to opposite team. One after another batsman were tottering to their miraculous bowling display. Archits in-swinger and Yorkers were almost unplayable. He was bowling at an amazing speed with great variations. The spell of PRANAV AND ARCHIT were doing wonders for us as all of them were getting out within this spell. Their brisk deliveries were indomitable. As usual THE controversy was in the offing as the second last wicket fell.

Yeah .. GODHRA RIOT IN THE MAKING

Intense situation arise with 7 runs to be scored from less than 3 over’s. Ankit at crease was facing Archits unplayable deliveries. Till now the only thing that came in contact with the ball was his body and butt. Archits 4^th delivery outside the off stump, ball takes an edge from the bat and to the body. The impact with the body slows the ball, resulting in a juicy catch to me as wicketkeeper. As usual like other previous matches I take the last catch of the match. Don’t know whether its tryst of destiny or mere coincidence that the last last catch is always mine. The game always ends there whether any other batsman remain in the opposite team or not. Thus the final controversy begins.

The issue was that our team had 9 players so our last player was allowed to bat single. On the other hand the opposite team with 10 players had their entire batsman out. So the last man could not bat single according to the rule book of the LORDS. Some baseless allegation follows with interchanging of the ritual slangs one after another between the players.The opposite team complained of being unknown to the number of players in both teams. So they allowed our last batsman to bat single and therefore it’s cheating that their last player is not allowed to bat single. The neutral men are consulted (murari). Even he replies in favor of our team. However the slanged discussion was not to be resolved easily. The matter gets exacerbated as it includes someone like Ankit and Archit. They were fighting as if their life is  at stake. Archit was the hotspot target from our team. It seemed that if allowed they would kill Archit. Some innovative skill in slang making is displayed by the contoversy kings. They argue for their teams at the top of their voice and using frequent slangs in favor of the opposite player. Their sordid and sardonic exchange of words doesn’t gets over there. Ankit being called CHIK…. & Archit CHA….. . The last batsman throws away his bat angrily, being annoyed with the unfruitful discussion. 

Finally the matter remains unresolved.  The final verdict  -  We declare ourselves as the victorious team as per the circumstances. On our walk towards the hostel from LORDS Archit contemplates of resigning from the game. My fervent hope is that such glorious bastards can give a new dimension to this silly game of cricket.

Baba Ranchor Das says:

Controversy rejuvenates the cricketing spirit in the tired players.