Skip to main content

Et tu?

As a single sport website, I think Cricinfo has brought about a revolution and the fact that they were bought by ESPN is testament to how highly valued they've become. Their editing and approach to articles/opinion has been refreshing to say the least and even though they seem to have had a lot of editorial staff movement they've usually maintained very high standards. Off late though, both in their headline styles as well as in actual content, there seems to be an occasional slippage of standards and an inching towards the modern media sensationalism which is a bit of a pity. This piece by Siddharth Monga is a classic example. Granted that the last two press conferences by Dhoni and Sehwag indicated clearly that the captain and his deputy did not agree on this aspect of selection but "discord", "dissent", "public sniping" feels rather presumptuous and heavy handed. Yes, it is a team sport but there is no reason why everyone on the team needs to agree with each decision. What is important is that players agree to abide by a decision once its made and Sehwag has indicated that he did so fully.

In my mind the media's role is to inform the public of facts and then provide their view (clearly stating that the latter are hypotheses). When a media organisation starts to meld the two together, its walking on the wrong side of a very fine line.

Comments

Buttax said…
Its hilarious when an organisation/person attempts to defend themselves and doesn't realise that they're digging an even bigger hole.

Sidharth Monga is clearly clutching at straws (http://www.espncricinfo.com/commonwealth-bank-series-2012/content/current/story/555252.html). And by publishing the transcripts, he doesn't appear to realise that the only thing they prove are how much of an imbecile he is. Dhoni clearly said "it's not only these three players that we are talking about. We also have quite a few other players who are slow on the field. It will just add on to that and we will be left with just two or three really good fielders." So no singling out of Sehwag, Tendulkar, and Gambhir. And despite this, in the Sehwag press conference, the questioners clearly kept repeating that Dhoni had singled these men out. How underhanded is that?

Btw, also really funny how Sehwag says (when asked about fielding) "We are same for the last 10 years. Nothing has changed." Clearly he didn't see that could be interpreted as (and is actually) that he has been this bad for the last ten years :-)

Much fun all this.
February 26, 2012 at 11:12 AM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Ashes part deux: series preview

While I admire the honest, outspoken style that Ian Chappell has in his commentary and writing I don't find myself agreeing with his views very often. This latest piece on ESPNcricinfo is an exception though. In what is a faintly ridiculous set of back to back Ashes series (to accommodate an ODI World Cup of all things), the build-up to the second round has been laughable almost. Anyone who hasn't followed the game for a few years might be forgiven if they thought that the Australian domination from the 1990s and early 2000s has continued and that they will win in a canter again. For a team that's lost seven of their last nine matches (and it should have been eight really), that's quite a good turnaround on paper (and digitally). The reality though is that unless they show a drastic improvement (especially in terms of scoring runs) and England have a bit of a shocker, its going to be well nigh impossible for Australia to win back the urn. Despite putting Buffoon Bo...
Post a Comment
Read more

Quick singles: Why the double standards?

I'm no fan of David Warner's but for once, I'm firmly and squarely on his side . Sportspersons are probably treated the most unfairly by public opinion (and often the media) whenever they are involved in pay disputes. "Oh, look these millionaires are complaining about not getting paid enough" seems to be the gist of the general reactions. I find this attitude inexplicable at best and grossly hypocritical if I'm feeling less charitable. Like the rest of us, all athletes have the right to fight for what they think they should be paid. That is the fundamental part. In addition (and unlike many of the rest of us), most sportspersons operate in the knowledge that they only have a short period available as a performer, and therefore only a short period to maximise earnings. Most people that I know would behave exactly the same as Warner and his colleagues are doing. So why all the hue and cry?
Post a Comment
Read more