Sir — In honour of the deceased Supreme Court judge of the United States of America, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the Fearless Girl statue in New York was adorned with a lace collar that the jurist was famous for wearing. She had added the collar to the austere black robes to reclaim a traditionally male uniform and “unapologetically feminize it”. Only the second woman to be appointed to the apex court, Ginsburg was a legal and feminist icon who staunchly upheld liberal traditions. Her demise two months before the presidential elections will have a far-reaching impact on American democracy.

Game on

Sanav Chakraborty,
Calcutta

Sir — It was wonderful to read the article, “Cricketainment swings into action” (Sept 20), by the cricketing legend, Sunil Gavaskar, on the Indian Premier League, just the day after this year’s tournament started in the United Arab Emirates. The IPL has become an indispensable part of the lives of cricket fans. They wait with bated breath throughout the year for the season to commence.

While every year a considerable number would throng the stadiums with their family and friends, soaking in the excitement of a cricket match, this year, as Covid-19 ravages the world, fans are left with no option but to watch the IPL matches in the relative safety of their homes. The pandemic has taken away much of the electrifying thrill of the game.

Sourish Misra,
Calcutta

Sir — As the IPL begins, one major difference from earlier editions that is bound to bother cricket lovers is that the only way to enjoy the matches this year would be from the security of one’s home. Nevertheless, it can be safely assumed that people would be just as exhilarated to watch the action as they turn their living rooms into miniature stadiums.

The action-packed first game on Saturday saw the three-time champions, the Chennai Super Kings, kick off the season against the Mumbai Indians, who had secured their fourth IPL title in 2019. The following matches since then have set the cricket pitches in the UAE ablaze.

The return of the IPL comes as a relief to fans who were all but sure that the tournament would be cancelled this year. However, the organizers managed to chalk up a plan that would ensure the players’ safety while keeping the spirit of the game intact. The slow resumption of sports across the world, be it football, tennis, or cricket, is a small sliver of hope in the midst of an unprecedented health and economic crisis. The values that form the pillars of sportsmanship — courage, unity, patience and perseverance — can provide critical lessons to all in the face of hardship and bring hope that it is possible to overcome hurdles even in the worst of situations.

M. Pradyu,
Kannur

Sir — The IPL 2020 began with an incredible match that displayed the brilliant captaincy of the Chennai Super Kings skipper, M.S. Dhoni. As the opener for the Mumbai Indians, Quinton de Kock, began the match on a strong footing, Dhoni, to everyone’s surprise, brought in the 22-year-old Sam Curran, who not only claimed the wicket but also slammed 18 runs off just six balls at a crucial juncture of the game. Similarly, the fielding placements of Ravindra Jadeja and Lungi Ngidi showed Dhoni’s maturity and insight as a captain. Although the legendary skipper has announced his retirement from international cricket, he can still give young players a run for their money.

M.N. Gupta,
Bokaro

Sir — Amidst all the woes and worries of the coronavirus pandemic, cricket’s biggest franchise league began with an incredible match. Rightly termed as a tyohar in India, the IPL has gained popularity with each passing year. Perhaps the tournament will bring a sense of reprieve to the viewers struggling to cope with the pandemic. Although the first match was quite predictable, with the Chennai Super Kings breezing through the game, the upcoming matches are bound to be exciting as all teams are well-rounded.

As league cricket returns to stadiums, fans are looking forward to enjoying the numerous matches that have been scheduled till November. Hopefully the players as well as the staff members involved will adhere to safety measures set by the administration as they bring unbridled joy to millions of cricket fans around the world.

Iftekhar Ahmed,
Calcutta