Dark Reality of Indian Premier League
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The Indian Premier League (IPL) is a cricket festival enjoyed by cricketers around the world and millions of fans in India. But there is a dark side that is also hidden from view.
Corruption and match-fixing are among the IPL's biggest problems. Although strict action is taken, the league has faced allegations of spot-fixing and illegal betting. The 2013 spot-fixing scandal involving players and team management exposed the weaknesses in the system.
Moreover, the IPL has raised issues in terms of money. The money problems are often kept out of focus by IPL advertising and auctioning. Though star players get million-dollar contracts, many aspiring players have uncertain career prospects and inadequate funds.
Another important issue is the exploitation of young players. Playing in front of huge crowds can put a lot of pressure on them, damaging their mental health. One important issue is that of burnout, anxiety, and depression among cricketers.
In addition, making a lot of money from the sport has resulted in cricket being prioritized for entertainment. The emphasis is now more on showmanship than on the actual game of cricket due to cheerleaders, elaborate opening ceremonies, and brand endorsements.
Another worrying factor is the rising influence of gambling app sponsorships. Many IPL teams and broadcasts have sponsorship coming from betting and gambling platforms which claim to be gaming or fantasy sports. This makes gambling normal for viewers. This includes a lot of minors also. The chances of getting addicted also increase. The legal gaming and illegal betting are already blurred. This will raise more questions than answers.
Having said so, with the commercialization of the sport the entertainment factor is put above the essence of the game. Cheerleaders, grand opening ceremonies, and brand endorsements take the focus away from cricket and put it on entertainment instead.