Money erases Aussie security fears

Australian cricketers are always the first to shoot off their mouths when it comes to security - especially when they are to visit the sub-continent. That's when the rest of the world's top players start jumping on their bandwagon.

Take a look at the Indian Professional League. Many Australians have signed for the various franchises, but those who have retired from the international scene - Matthew Hayden, Adam Gilchrist, Andrew Symonds, Damien Martyn, Shaun Tait (though he has not retired), Dirk Nannes plus a few others are at the IPL.

Those contracted to the Australian Cricket Board are staying put, waiting for clearance from their board before they can take their places in their respective franchises. Brett Lee was in India but went back after his injury flared up again. He said he was awaiting clearance from Australian Cricket Board security officials before heading back.

No sooner had Lee shouted off his mouth than Brendon McCullum, who captained the Kolkata Knight Riders last year in South Africa, became apprehensive and said that he, too, would await clearance from Cricket New Zealand before heading off.

Is the Australian cry about the lack of security a ploy to unsettle the IPL, which has become the biggest cricketing and entertainment show in the world?

When there is a chance to make a quick buck the Aussies - or I should say most top international cricketers - are the first to rush to the sub-continent. This week, for instance, former Australian captain Steve Waugh was in the country to launch a cellphone game.

Australians are the first to put up their hands when contracts are going for commentary positions with various broadcasters, and the list goes on.

Having gone to some of the major venues in the past week, I can vouch for the security being tight.

You cannot, even if you have the accreditation, walk into areas where you are not allowed. And this is largely due to the fact that a South African company - Nichols, Steyn & Associates - is running this vital department.

CHRIS Gayle's luggage went missing after he arrived in India for the IPL. But the West Indian captain, one of the most laid-back cricketers in the world, was not really worried about his cricket gear or his clothing as much as the selection of designer sunglasses that were in his baggage.

He hopes to have his baggage with him when he arrives in Mumbai for the game between the Mumbai Indians and the Kolkata Knight Riders.

CATfights were the highlight of the first week of the glitzy IPL as Katrina Kaif and Deepika Padukone squared off, with each claiming to be the brand ambassador of the Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Kaif was signed last season in South Africa and was visible at most of the games, but this time Padukone has grabbed the spotlight. Padukone has soared in the eyes of the Bollywood movie-makers, and is the flavour of the month.

THE Mongoose bat made its first appearance in the IPL this week with former Australian opening batsman Matthew Hayden using it in the game between the Chennai Super Kings and the Delhi Daredevils.

Wow, what a success.

It had the cricketing world abuzz, and Hayden unleashed the power it offers while scoring 93 for the Super Kings off 43 balls. It has a longer than usual handle and a shorter blade. But what's important is that the sweet spot is larger than normal.

The big Australian has undoubtedly started a phenomenon, and it's sure to catch on sooner rather than later.