Cricket surely does not need cheerleaders. Not for the reasons that moral vigilantes would like us to accept but because the game itself is a fantastic package of thrill, fun and uncertainty. The game has been played for centuries with no need ever for glitz and glamour. Even cricketers like Shahid Afridi have spoken out against the idea of cheerleaders.

Rahul Dravid sardonically said that youngsters coming to watch T20 matches should have their eyes fixed only on the "cricket ball". Cheerleaders are an icing on the cake. Recent allegations of racist abuse suffered by them have left people wondering whether India is any better than Australia as far as racism goes.

Cricket has barely seen controversies extraneous to the game. This strengthens the case for doing away with cheerleaders. The billion-dollar babies are an avoidable distraction for youngsters watching the game aspiring to become icons like Sachin, Dhoni, et al. After all, the crowds are there to cheer their heroes and teams.