ABOUT THE BOOK

Boundary Lab

Sport is a petri dish. In it, society tests not only human limits but also individual and collective attitudes and norms, often before they impact the wider world beyond the boundary.

In its quest for universal rules, organized sport must regularly balance multiple interests and answer difficult questions. This helps sport―and through sport, society―to tweak laws, markets, morals and technological advances. The outcomes of the resulting debates influence the way we live, view each other, and organize our world.Why should we care about sport and its governance? Within the covers of Boundary Lab lie the answers.

CHAPTER 1
On Meaning
Do you think a body builder is a sportsperson or a contestant in a beauty pageant?
CHAPTER 2
On Change
Why did Ultimate introduce referees?
CHAPTER 3
On Autonomy
Why was the garbage not cleared after the IPL match?
CHAPTER 4
On Balance
Should popular choice determine World Cup structure?
CHAPTER 5
On Reform
Does Virat Kohli not play for the ‘Indian team’?
CHAPTER 6
On Difference
Should we hold separate women’s chess events?
CHAPTER 7
On Integrity
What happens when both teams try to lose a match?
CHAPTER 8
On Skill
Why is sports betting illegal in India?
CHAPTER 9
On Innovation
Should Dhoni own the ‘helicopter shot’?
CHAPTER 10
On Value
How did the IPL thrive while other Indian leagues didn’t?
CHAPTER 11
On Agreement
Do you get a full ticket refund if a match is washed out?
CHAPTER 12
On Competition
Which defence kept Dhanraj Pillay at bay?
CHAPTER 13
On Community
Why do we have a right to watch cricket for free?
CHAPTER 14
On Influence
Will fans soon manage sports teams?
CHAPTER 15
On Rights
Should Anwar Ali be allowed to play football?
CHAPTER 16
On Individuality
Should the Olympic broadcast display Deepika Kumari’s heart rate?
CHAPTER 17
On Risk
How does Mary Kom not have a criminal record?
CHAPTER 18
On Justice
Was Azharuddin cleared of all match-fixing charges?
CHAPTER 19
On Collaboration
Why do so many of our prime stadiums lie unused?
CHAPTER 20
On Legacy
Should India bid to host the Olympic Games?