− Khan Tahir
The final match of the IPL, i.e., the Indian Premier League, took place on May 16, 2024, featuring a showdown between Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Right from the start, Kolkata Knight Riders’ bowlers Mitchell Starc and Vaibhav Arora made it clear to the spectators that it would be tough to defeat KKR.
And that’s exactly what happened. SRH dragged the match until the 18th over, with each player trying their best, but collectively, they managed to score only 113 runs. KKR won the match by scoring 114 runs with the loss of two wickets in ten overs.
Many people are happy about Kolkata Knight Riders’ victory, or perhaps they are happy because Shah Rukh Khan and Juhi Chawla are happy. However, those who are mourning Hyderabad’s loss as if winning would have resulted in Prime Minister Narendra Modi depositing 15 lakh rupees into everyone’s account, let me tell you, nothing of the sort happens. Whether Kolkata wins or Hyderabad, our lives would continue as they are.
Many people didn’t even watch the final because their favorite teams, CSK or RCB, didn’t make it to the final match.
People who were celebrating at RCB’s victory on 18th May like the way they celebrate after clearing UPSC.
Then, some people were as sorrowful on the night of May 22nd after Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) lost to Rajasthan Royals as one feels when a close one departs.
Suppose RCB had won against Rajasthan Royals (RR) on May 22, how would our lives have changed?
Or the fans of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) should think about whether defeating RCB on May 18 would have changed anything in their lives?
Would the condition of Muslims in India improve?
Would there be a solution to the Palestine issue?
Would poverty be eradicated from India?
Would our country’s youth get employment?
Would hunger be eradicated from India?
If the answer to all these questions is no then what does it change?
Those who buy expensive tickets to watch the match in the stadium, what do they get after wasting four to five hours?
If the team they support wins after four to five hours, they get a few minutes of happiness, that’s all.
And if the team they support does not win despite watching the match for four to five hours, they are left with regret, not just the regret of wasted money but also of the precious four to five hours of their life spent.
Therefore, it’s fine if a cricket match is viewed as just a cricket match. But when a cricket match is seen beyond its limits, with TVs being broken when a team loses and fireworks being set off when a team wins, it will not only be a waste of our time and money but also harmful to our health.
