JUST

Why won’t BCCI allow new and stylish formal wear for the Indian cricket team?

RAHUL JOHRI, CEO of the BCCI, recently wrote to the board requesting approval for 50 new Italian suits for the Indian team and top executives. Pointing out that the team needs new sets of formal wear, Johri requested a quick goahead. The response was the opposite of a stitch in time — the board frostily rejected the request. Some members reportedly pointed to the current imbroglio bubbling between the BCCI and the Supreme Court, the latter closely monitoring the former’s expenses. But others felt purchasing Italian suits was a wicked extravagance that mirrored an opulent “corporate culture” which was quite the opposite of the BCCI’S worldview.

Sure. BCCI culture, in the past, has managed to include flashy helicopters, glittery hotels, cheerleaders, champagne, movie star performances and gimmicky advertising. All of the above costs a pretty penny and hardly reflects an ascetic culture — so why the hypocrisy now? The Indian cricket team richly merits a nice suit, to be worn on formal occasions. Grudging them this shows a drift from contemporary reality.

In another time and thought zone, Indians, no matter how accomplished, were meant to look “simple”, modest and homely, most preferably clad in home-made khadi. The fusing of what you wore with what you were rose to dangerous heights; the most vile hearts could beat fearlessly under khadi covers. White in fact became de rigueur for those who wished to appear spotless in public life; white symbolised “purity” — and you couldn’t get purer than milky khadi. In recent times, this mentality could be said to have led to “suitboot ki sarkar” jibes — but owning and wearing either is no crime in an India that aspires and is willing to work hard for a few nice threads. The BCCI should not be churlish now. It should sanction cool new suits for the Indian team. It’s time we all unbuttoned a bit.