Is Today's media responsible enough?

There is a never a dull moment in any sport and in the world of sports. Such is the magnitude of activity spread across multiple disciplines. However, not all sports are given equal attention by the media.

It is frustrating to notice that an incident as trivial as the deliberate over-stepping by Suraj Randiv to bowl a no-ball and thereby denying Virender Sehwag of a century ( in the ongoing tri-series in Srilanka) hogged the limelight in all forms of media when many more important events took place at the same time around the world. Andy Murray contributed to Federer's losing streak in the Roger's cup finals, Indian teenagers continue their dry spell in the youth Olympics in Singapore etc., More importantly, there hasn't been even one report on how the Indian contingent is preparing for the Commonwealth games which is scheduled to start in 45 days from now.

I understand media is a business by itself, (and follows the golden rule that the customer is at the centre of the business) and any piece of news is churned or reported ( however you like to call it) keeping in mind the interest of the people it is directed at. But, this is an issue that has clearly been blown out of proportion.

Randiv broke no law, did not violate any code of conduct laid down by the ICC. By publicly announcing that Randiv's act was a let down for Srilankan cricket, ( on the back drop of the fact that Srilanka has been winning the award for the 'spirit of the game' by ICC for the past two years,) the Srilankan board has let itself down. Worse is to have handed him an one ODI ban. It is concerning to note that the whole drama is because of the hype created by the media and the looming pressure on the Srilankan board by virtue of the fact the it is bankrupt and is at the mercy of BCCI!

Randiv's act was at best a mischief and nothing more. 'Spirit of the game' is such a vague concept. It is modified and accepted time and again by different sects of people. If cricketers were to follow the spirit of the game,

* Batsmen should start walking as soon as they know they are out and not wait for the umpire's decision.

* The fielding team should keep conversations with the batting team at the level of a friendly banter and not take it up to riling.

* Fielders shouldn't do their best( or rather worst) to cheat a favourable decision out of the umpires.

None of the above ever gets so much importance in the media, but this one did. Randiv walked upto Sehwag's room after the match to apologize and the story ended have ended there if it were responsible media that was covering it!