• The IPL gave the Indian team a false sense of security, particularly at a time when they should have been preparing for the T20 world championship. It’s a fact that India has successfully brought big money to cricket and opened its doors to new talent, let alone a larger audience. However, governing bodies need to know where and when to draw the line. Cricket is a sport and not a television programme. Since the BCCI also influences the functioning of other sports bodies, it should take corrective action.

— R. Gupta

Pune

Icon, superstar, man

• News of Michael Jackson’s death is heartbreaking. It’s all the more painful because, after quitting the music scene in the mid-’90s, Jackson was to begin his comeback tour with the UK next month. The star had passed through many personal and professional tribulations; however, his iconic status will last. Those who had predicted Jackson burning out as a child prodigy were proved wrong. The boy became history. From his unique dance style to the music video, Jackson inaugurated an era, which came to an end on Thursday.

— Anjan Chatterjee

Nagpur

Right way

• The decision to induct Nandan Nilekani into government is a welcome step (‘The new way’, IE, June 26). For once, ulterior motives and politics seem to be absent from the scene. It may well be the beginning of a bigger and deeper relationship between government and corporate. It could usher in professionalism in governance too. Nilekani’s experience will not only ensure smooth implementation of the mammoth ID project but also establish a healthy precedent.

— Rahul Zutshi

Greater Noida

Undoing damage

• We are still an agrarian economy but people (and our policymakers) seem to forget that (‘Monsoon matters’, IE, June 26). But just as Green Revolution practices contributed to soil degradation and water level depletion, which then caused over time erratic monsoons, we can surely undo the damage by incentivising a return to pesticide-free multi-cropping.

— Deepanjali Bhas

Delhi

• The forecast offered by the minister of state for science and technology that there will be sub-normal rainfall this year needs to be taken seriously. Given the limited rains, water should be treated as a scarce resource as it is unevenly available but highly demanded. Water management and conservation shouldn’t simply be a political and public effort, people too should be involved.

— Mathew Oommen

Pune

Integrate at Centre

• The home minister must merge and integrate home departments of all states with the Centre for uniformity of law and order. Given that state borders are porous, crime is on the rise and remains unchecked due to political interference. Communication between the state police forces and Central agencies is weak and benefits criminals. This area needs immediate reforms.

— N.V.S.N. Murthy

Gandhinagar