The return of cricketing stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to the Vijay Hazare Trophy had generated immense excitement among fans, while after several years, these two giants of Indian cricket were back in the domestic one-day tournament, raising hopes and expectations. Virat Kohli was participating in the tournament after approximately 15 years,. While Rohit Sharma was making his comeback after about 8-9 years. Both players marked their return with magnificent centuries, delighting their fans and setting the stage for what promised to be an exciting tournament.
Fan Outcry Over Lack of Live Broadcast
However, this joy was quickly overshadowed by significant disappointment. The initial matches featuring Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma weren't broadcast live on television or any online streaming platforms. This decision sparked widespread anger and frustration among fans. Social media platforms were abuzz with criticism directed at the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the broadcasters, questioning why such high-profile performances weren't made accessible to a wider audience, while the situation became even more frustrating as both batsmen delivered stellar century-scoring performances, yet millions of fans were unable to witness the live action.
Star Sports Confirms No Live Stream for Upcoming Matches
Fans had hoped that, given the oversight in the first round, the BCCI and potential broadcasters like Jio-Star Sports would arrange for the live telecast of the subsequent matches. However, it appears that fans are in for another round of disappointment, while star Sports itself clarified on 'X' (formerly Twitter) in response to a user's query that only a select few matches scheduled for December 26 would be broadcast live. These include the Jharkhand vs Rajasthan and Assam vs J&K matches, which will be available on TV and Hotstar, while unfortunately, the crucial matches involving Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are conspicuously absent from this list.
Virat and Rohit's Upcoming Fixtures
On December 26, Virat Kohli's Delhi team is set to face Gujarat, while Rohit Sharma's Mumbai will take on Uttarakhand, while the absence of live telecast for these significant encounters means that fans will once again be deprived of the opportunity to watch their favorite players in action. This situation raises concerns, especially when there is a strong emphasis on promoting domestic cricket and identifying young talent, while the presence of big names undoubtedly boosts the tournament's popularity, but the lack of broadcasting hinders the ability to capitalize on this opportunity and reach a broader audience.
Spectator Restrictions and BCCI's Role
Adding to the broadcasting woes, there's a disparity in spectator access. While fans had the chance to watch Rohit Sharma's match live from the stadium, offering some solace, the BCCI has imposed a ban on spectators for Delhi's matches held at the Bengaluru Center of Excellence. This means that Virat Kohli's fans will have neither a live telecast nor stadium access to watch their star player, leading to a double blow of disappointment. Such restrictions also raise questions about encouraging fan engagement in domestic cricket, which is crucial for its growth and visibility.
Hopes for a Change and BCCI's Responsibility
All eyes are now on the next 24 hours to see if the BCCI and. Star Sports will reconsider their decision in light of the growing demand and frustration from fans. The presence of players like Virat and Rohit can Importantly elevate the profile of the Vijay Hazare Trophy, but adequate broadcasting arrangements are essential to achieve this. To bring domestic cricket into the mainstream and make it more appealing, it's vital that these matches reach as many viewers as possible, while fans continue to hold out hope that a last-minute change might still allow them to witness their beloved stars live in action.
