CSK fans miffed by shifting of IPL matches

News about the shifting of IPL matches from Chennai, owing to protests by fringe political outfits, has come as a dampener for Chennaites who hold cricket, especially IPL, close to their heart.

Fans said that though they support the Cauvery issue, they were sad as the government had allowed the shifting of matches from the city, bowing to pressure from fringe outfits. They point out that Chennai has always been synonymous with sportsman spirit. They recall how, back in 1999, fans gave a standing ovation to the Pakistan team that won a test match at Chepauk stadium. Die-hard fans of the game were thrilled as it was Chennai Super Kings’ homecoming after a gap of two years and matches were being held in the city.

But the protests outside the stadium against the IPL and the hurling of shoes into the ground has forced the matches to be shifted from the cricket loving city.

‘What’s the link?’

Bosskey, cricketer and stand-up-comedian, asked if film actors would take it in their stride if cricketers called for a ban on movies. “I stand by the State in the Cauvery issue, but the government or anyone else cannot dictate what an individual can enjoy legally. Now I dread that they might shift Tamil New Year celebrations to Andhra Pradesh,” he said

S. Ashwin, of R.A. Puram, who enjoyed Tuesday’s match, said it was not right for the government to bow down to these small parties that do not represent the people. “All Chennaites support the Cauvery issue, but they should not mix politics and sports,” he said.

Bharat. V, a CSK fan from Mylapore, said that the government should also stop screening of movies in theatres till the Cauvery Management Board is formed and ban jallikattu. “If the matches can be shifted, so can other forms of entertainment. Why not close Tasmac shops?” he wondered.