Big money in global sport: the importance of man management

In light of the 'Gang of Four' incident during the India-Australia series, Shamik Chakrabarty from the Financial Express looks back at other examples of man-management issues that stemmed from the world of sport, and how money has forced those with international careers to choose club over country

Man management has become very important in the changed scenario. Big money breeds big ego and big egos need special treatment. Even the great Sir Alex Ferguson has said he has changed his management style to keep pace with time. Every big sport is now a million-dollar business. And those who are earning in millions are big stars. They should be treated like stars and not schoolboys.

This Australian team has a millionaire in Glenn Maxwell. The off-spinner has played just one Test and a handful of ODIs. But that didn't prevent him from becoming the most sought-after man in the IPL auction. Maxwell is now a big player despite the fact that he has very little international experience. As the definition of stardom has changed, so is the method of dealing with the stars. The dressing room becomes restive when coaches and captains forget that.