'OD'I on cricket

The India-New Zealand match in Bengaluru on Tuesday maybe a stalemate as the series has already been won by the men in blue. But there are many hardcore cricket fans in Bengaluru who will take every chance to watch a game live. But are they a dying breed?

Student Uthpal Nadiger, who will be at Chinnaswamy Stadium says, “I have been to every game in Bengaluru since 2005 and still enjoy it.” Mithun Bhatt, also a student agrees, adding, “The thrill of being able to watch your favourite players up close plus the atmosphere at a live game is unbeatable!”

It seems they are not alone as Sudhakar Rao of KSCA states, “We’ve been selling tickets steadily and have sold about 60 percent of the tickets. We expect to sell more on Tuesday too.”

But despite their love for the game, these fans all agree on a few factors that make their cricket-viewing experience an absolute nightmare! Peter Rajesh Joachim, an entrepreneur says he doesn’t enjoy watching live games because, “you never know when all hell can break loose. It isn’t worth it.”

Says Uthpal, “Due to the Metro construction, the traffic on match days is horrendous.” And once you get in, it is no better. “What I hate most are the people who have absolutely no clue about cricket! They just want to make it on television.” He continues. “At a recent game against Australia, I had the misfortune of sitting behind a group of guys who clearly weren’t interested in anything but catching the cameraman’s attention. It is not only annoying but I couldn’t see the game as they kept blocking my view.”

Add to this are the cheerleaders at Twenty20 matches. “I don’t think they add any value to the game except to interrupt it and cause a frenzy,” sighs Mithun.

But despite it all, the stands will be thronging with fans on Tuesday, proving that attending a cricket game may not be a bed of roses but some wouldn’t have it any other way!