Sri Lanka issue an example of shallow symbolism

By instructing franchises to stand its Sri Lankan players down from games in Chennai, the IPL has devalued one of the core values of sport- a level playing field before the contest begins. The tournament will rumble merrily on but one wonders if a meek surrender was the only choice here. Gaurav Kalra writes at cricketnext.com that this issue reeks of hypocrisy and turning India into a nation of terrible precedents.

Nitty-gritty apart, this episode is another warning of our rapid decline as a straight thinking people. Shallow symbolism has replaced the desire to find sustainable solutions, fringe elements now dictate policy and thought and forced villains are propped up as tools for silly brow-beating. Tragically by snubbing the Sri Lankans, Chennai has also shut its door on its adopted son, Muralitharan

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