Replicating the replica

The DDCA will be emulating the Railways, who had made out replicas in 2002-03 at the insistence of coach Vinod Sharma after they won the tournament for the first time. Sharma had spent his own money on the copies and ensured that all the basic details — year, team and tournament were engraved on them.

“The main details should be there in a replica, at least,” Sharma told The Indian Express. “It sort of compensates for the absence of the big trophy, which is sent back to the BCCI headquarters. I got one made for each player and it was handed to them at an official presentation,” he added.

A Delhi player and former member of the Indian team said it was sad that the board didn’t feel the need to hand out personalised momentos. “It seems the BCCI had ordered a dozen pieces together and just hands out one every year to the team that wins. They need to understand the value of the trophy, along with the cash prize that goes with it,” he said.

He may have hit the nail on the head. The BCCI these days seems to believe in the only-cash-matters policy. While doling out huge amounts for every tournament won and every six hit is fine, perhaps the board needs to realise that some other things also matter in this sport. There’s still a place for emotions in the world of professional sport. Shouldn’t the BCCI’s replica replicate that sentiment?