It is that time of the year when the IPL pandemic breaks loose. Excessive exposure to the virus over some ten years has still not built resistance.
However, Chennai, one of the original breeding grounds of the virus, has been effectively quarantined for the second consecutive year. There are no matches being played in Chennai and no home team to support and cheer for.
I have had the opportunity to observe their behaviour at close quarters. IPL auctions are now followed with a certain diluted enthusiasm and watered down interest. IPL schedules no longer hold a place of honour on the walls decorated with pictures of cricketers – instead, they are kept in closed cupboards, out of sight but not quite out of mind. The CSK jersey still holds a place of pride in the wardrobe – and is taken out, tried on, creases carefully removed, before it is returned to its place of rest, with brooding looks and heavy sighs. Silent anguish gives way to vociferous protests if we happen to pass Chepauk- something we try to avoid, as it is wrenching to observe the traumatised expressions
Hoping that a temporary fix would help alleviate the withdrawal symptoms, we tried experiencing a match between two popular teams in another State, another stadium. The experience was relished, and the charged atmosphere in the stadium was certainly contagious. The match surpassed expectations with several thrilling moments and led to a nail-biting finish. Yet, the lacuna remained. Evidently, viewing an entire match in an objective and unbiased manner takes the fun out of the game — and half-heartedly rooting for one team or the other makes no difference.
A lot of research, literature and theories in the field of sociology and psychology apply to sports fans and fandoms — and it is said most fans see the teams as extensions of themselves. The teams evoke a sense of pride, identity and belonging. Considering the power and influence a team has on its fans, the fact that integrity and ethics need to be consistently practised and demonstrated by the players should be reiterated. And the fan base, on the other hand, needs to get more rational, shake off their biases and take off the blinders.
As Heywood Broun said, “Sports does not build character. Sports reveals character.” I guess this applies to both the teams and the fans!
vasanthi_suresh@yahoo.in
