Date:25/04/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/04/25/stories/2008042558080200.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Cricket calls the shots

It is an old tactic to create a new crisis or resort to a political gimmick on the part of ruling parties to divert public attention from immediate problems.

But given the popularity of the ongoing IPL T 20 matches, with exciting cricket matches lined up for the next 35 days and more, the governments of the day could not have asked for a better timing and reprieve to divert the public attention from the serious price rise issue.

Cricket surely cuts through all barriers and the buzz is all about cricket in every lane and by-lane of the city. People animatedly discussing and debating performances and strategies of different cricket teams, owned by Bollywood stars to business magnates.

Price rise is an issue that indeed pinches every one. But for now it is cricket that rules!

M.L. MELLY MAITREYI