Let us enlist Indian team (BCCI) on Mumbai stock exchange

By John Cheeran
Sociologists in India love to say that people have the highest stake in the national cricket team. Cricket is a religion in India they say. They claim Indian nation’s mood swings with national team’s fortunes.
I really doubt it. No one cares anymore. Or do they?
In the aftermath of the Mohali massacre in the Champions Trophy, the Mumbai Sensex has crossed 13,000 mark for the first time. It is a significant moment in the incredible upward climb of Indian economy. Nation has no time for Rahul Dravid and company. You win or lose, it does not register on the emotional radar of the middle class India.
It is quite remarkable that cricket depression did not have any impact on India's economy.
So what stake average Indian has got in this Indian team that cannot defeat West Indies and Australia at home?
The only stakeholder in the Indian team is the Board of Control for Cricket in India. That means gentlemen such as Sharad Pawar, Lalit Modi and Inderjit Singh Bindra.
I wish the average Indian had his stake in the Indian team. It would have mattered then what he thinks or feels about the Indian team.
In the age of rising curves of stocks, we should demand that BCCI become a corporate entity such as Manchester United in England and many other such sporting entities worldwide.
It may also give an occasion to Indian cricket stars to feel humble, and they are not responsible to a few power centers alone. It is only when cricketers appropriate brand India, they become watch-able commodities in the sports market. Who cares when these worthies play for their respective states in Ranji Trophy?
BCCI should come up with a public equity. How big a response will it generate among investors is a question worth finding an answer.
Right now Indian cricket fans are restricted to invest only emotionally with the Indian team. Most often they end up depressed and broken hearted. The rewards the Indian cricketers shower on them are hardly enough.
Let us give the Indian cricket fan an opportunity to grab a slice of the cricket pie. After all without the eyeballs of success-starved, average Indian, the BCCI will not be able to bargain for the rights to host World Cup and to haggle for the broadcasting rights.
So it is quite inevitable that BCCI go public. Not with mere statements but with balance sheets.
Let the game begin, gentlemen!