Ayaz Memon, in his article in papers has rightly pointed out especially ignoring the Test players (those not in one-day squad)) who too deserved to be financially rewarded. The Board of Control for Cricket (BCCI) seems to be tilting too much towards commercialization. The players are being auctioned since BCCI knows that there are buyers available. Players of national and international repute too seem to play for money in IPL and ICL.

Will these players have the zeal and the `jasba' when they play for the country? Think. The eight franchisee of the IPL forked out a combined Rs 7000-plus crore first to buy the team franchises. Then, they spent a whopping Rs 160 crore on purchasing players at the auction. Will Team India give its heart and soul to play for the country? Will being selected on it continue to be treated as the ultimate honour in the life of a cricketer?

Or, will club identities come to replace national loyalties? After all, whoever pays the bucks gets the loyalty. Has cricket in India entered the age of sponsored gambling are some questions that need answer. The entry of paid sponsors for games and sportsmen has added an ugly dimension to an already murky arena. The decline of standards in sports is in direct proportion to the increase in the players' affluence. Plainly, a sport gets corrupted when when money is involved. BCCI has set a very high benchmark of reward and this I wish they sustain it in future too.

May be they have to increase this amount to one crore for each player if they win the World Cup in 2011. If India were to win hockey world cup or Olympics, will the Hockey Federation dare to give even half the amount to each hockey player!

Father rightly said to his son, `Close the books and pick the bat, if you wish to be a crorepati.