Cricket match

Most of you already know that in India, a large population could not see the South Africa and India first test match live. What you don't know is that, I am one of them :( unfortunately, we were one of the very early customers of dish TV from Zee telefilms ltd, and so far have stuck to it because of no apparent reason to switch. Now when Tata Sky came in to become a competitor, don't tell me there is no politics involved here, for some strange reason, Neo Sports is only available through them. Dish TV guys have not yet stuck a chord with Neo Sports, and good old DD decided that it was not an event of 'National Importance' - and I agree it was not.

Lot of media reports are floating around emphasizing that there was politics even in this, that BCCI wants to promote IPL a big way and has lost all interest in the on-going test seriese. Is it ? If it is, then that is a very bad day in cricket history. I would hate to see only 20-20s going ahead. I may sound like one of those hat-loaded saggy-skinned old men in UK who still see test cricket, but can't help it.

Can any 20-20 match the magic of a 5th-day-result-oriented test match ? To that effect, let me tell you the truth, initial 3 days of the test match, I hated dish TV. However, I was relieved that I did not end up seeing the match that ended in such a dull show - I mean centuries, triple centuries are all fine, but who cares yaar, if there is no Kumble or Harbhajan magic or a certain Laxman anchoring the second innings ? One way, all this politics of Zee films - ICL - IPL - dish TV - Tata Sky is good to keep me out of some more emotional drain :)

Now don't think that I am that strong a cricket buff, you have to see my nephew glued to those pale looking ICL matches - to understand what I am trying to emphasize. I remain a indian cricket team international match viewer.


Will I see IPL ? Only time will tell ... don't want to commit and go back on my words at this time, but seems like I will only be satisfied with reading about the results the next day - though SetMax will live telecast it.

How about all you folks in foreign countries ? Can you follow the live matches on internet or some tv channels ?