And, even if India were to suddenly shed its patriotism for the love of cricket, is it being given enough time to form links with the new stars of its regions? The IPL runs for just 45 days. There is no telling if the players you have in the team this season will be sold to someone else next year, or will even be available because of his international commitments. The Andrew Symonds you had just started to love may be batting for another side in 2009, or may not be there at all till 2012.

We are not being sold genuine league cricket, but glitz, glamour and razzmatazz. It could end up making money, but I wonder if it will ever establish the connection with fans that is the soul of sport.

Nobody is too bothered, however. The BCCI has already made its hundreds of millions and the players have cashed in as well. For India Inc, perhaps the returns don’t matter too much anyway. It’s just small change: a tiny price to pay for national pride in this ever-growing economy.

kunal.pradhan@expressindia.com