Shahrukh vows not to enter cricket stadium

By: Raymond Ronamai
Wednesday, November 21, 2007

If Indian cricket is the summer rain, BCCI is the unruly wind that blows in every direction. If the team does well, they rain praises and money on the players, and they did when Indian team brought home T20 Cricket World Cup a couple of months ago. If the team doesn't do well, they make sure that a few players are axed and even senior players are no exception. Nobody knows where the wind will blow. Now, Bollywood actor Shahrukh Khan has fallen victim to their wrath.

King Khan was once praised for promoting sports through his role as a hockey coach in Chak De India. He was there cheering for team India when India lift the T20 World Cup. He went to the field to congratulate the players. Nobody complained. He then watched the recent T20 cricket match between India and Australia along with actress Deepika Padukone. Nobody complained. Why? Because India won.

The true colour of BCCI has finally come out in defeat. Shahrukh watched the recent Indian Oil Cup final match between India and arch rival Pakistan along with Deepika Padukone. India lost the match and Shahrukh became the soft target of the BCCI officials. It was reported that some of the BCCI officials were angry with King Khan, alleging that he is promoting his recent release Om Shanti Om through cricket rather than encouraging team India.

The recent allegation has hit Shahrukh hard like never before. Now, he has decided not to step his foot on to the cricket stadium if BCCI is not happy with his presence. He said that he doesn't crave for publicity, as he is a big star himself. He added that he watched the Jaipur match just for the love of the game and that his children adore Sachin Tendulkar, Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Sourav Ganguly. He also said that he spoke about his film because commentator Rameez Raja said that he wanted to watch the film along with his family.

Now, many questions have popped up on the intention of the BCCI officials. Are they trying to divert defeat by coming heavily on Shahrukh? Are they jealous that they can't get the kind of attention that Shahrukh commands? Many questions follow.....

Well, BBCI officials and anybody for that matter should know that cricket is religion in India. Everybody loves cricket and celebrities are no exception. In fact, the presence of celebrities like Shahrukh is good for any game because attention comes along with them. And BCCI officials have the right to watch films like anybody.

Now, Shahrukh should think again and take back his decision because his decision will have adverse effect on the game. It will also discourage other celebrities to watch cricket matches in the future.