The flip side is that the cricket extravaganza is a welcome distraction in these gloomy times. Our evening entertainment is ensured till the end of May.

All this gives the BCCI-conducted IPL a good name. But is there more to be done by the people who run this country’s cricket? A big yes. And does that mean display more sensitivity to the pandemic which is killing thousands every day? An even bigger yes.

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It does seem that this glamour-filled tournament is oblivious to what is happening in the outside world. Cricket has always been a great medium to spread a good message. Where are those messages? 

Where are the cricket stars showing up on this platform, with utterances of encouragement and concern for people suffering in the pandemic? We also want to see cricket playing a lead role in COVID-related charity campaigns.

Television viewership of the IPL is massive and that can be utilised in more noble ways to help society. Yes, cricketers do their share of charity but more needs to be done by them and the pillars of the IPL. 

These are different times, dark times. It’s not a time to look the other way.