Playing the game

And as for the controversy over Symonds not walking, there is a classic case of much ado about nothing. You only need to read the rules of cricket to understand this.

Yes, the rules state that a batsman that is caught is out. But this rule is subordinate to the rule that the final judge of whether or not a batsman is out is the umpire. Hence, Symonds was right to stand his ground and let the umpire make the, albeit factually wrong, decision.

Players, like Adam Gilchrist, who are perpetual “walkers” might think they have the moral high ground. But in fact the opposite is the case. Given the human element involved adjudicating, baring bias, over a period of time statistically all teams will have as many poor decisions go in their favour as they do go against them.

This is the best way to ensure a rough degree of fairness on the cricket field. Walkers distort this equilibrium in a manner that is detrimental to their team and country.

Of course in life there are more important things than worshipping rules. In the end, consequences matter most. Hence in rare cases it is permissible to break even important rules where this will produce a better outcome. That’s why it is OK to break the speed limit to rush a heart attack victim to hospital.

But cricket is not an activity where consequences matter much. Grown men, running around in white outfits, hitting and chasing a small red ball do nothing to shape the world in a way that is better than before they started. Cricket produces nothing tangible that helps the human condition. No person is left healthier, warmer or more nourished for having watched a cricket match.

What watching cricket, as with all sport, does is give the human condition a much needed escape from the hard realities of life. In this regard, the outcome of a match is secondary to the manner in which the games unfold. None of the magic of the game is lost depending upon who wins or loses.

As spectators we want a contest on the field and for predictability in the manner in which the game is adjudicated. Thereafter, may the best team win.

The suspension of Harbhajan will diminish the contest. Hence in the short term all cricket fans are impoverished. Still, for an activity which produces nothing functional or tangible the controversy is no doubt great for the game!