How much is too much?

From Bidwan Baruah, India
Many say cricket needs to be played hard with the bat and ball. Only. But there is a big question here: If two teams are playing hard and trying to outplay each other, won't there be any frustrations creeping inside them which might lead to an explosion of emotions?

Imagine you are competing with your co-worker and you are failing to outclass him, somewhere down the line you will be frustrated and will pass on a comment. 9 out of 10 times he will have something to say in return. It's the same with cricket. There is no way you can curb it and if you are trying to do so, it might result in lowering the intensity of the game.

Now, the other thing people say is "A bit of chit chat is okay until the players cross the line." Where is this line drawn? Let me take the latest on-field incident in the ongoing Delhi Test. Shane Watson tried to block Gambhir's way with his hand when he was taking the single. In return, while going back for the next run, Gambhir shoved his elbow into Watson's midriff. Who crossed the line?

The ICC needs to draw this imaginary line more clearly. There is no doubt that the on-field incidents add to the excitement and spice up the newspaper headlines, but it will surely have a negative impact on the kids taking up the game. Nobody wants to see players shouting at each other, but an occasional exchange of words is very welcome.

Admittedly, it's a difficult line. But it needs to be drawn.