Chennai takes guard for World Cup in style

CHENNAI: As fans parade the streets outside the stadiums hosting cricket matches in the UK, Chennai follows its own style of celebrating the World Cup. From giant projector screenings in pubs, to attempts at breaking Guinness Records with a 50-foot-long cricket bat, virtual reality booths and offers by food delivery and cab apps — the city has handed out an array of choices for a cricket fanatic.
On Friday, all roads will lead to Phoenix Market City when Kapil Dev, the man who led the Indian side to its first World Cup victory in 1983, would unveil a 50-foot-long cricket bat. According to the organisers, the bat made of willow, as per ICC cricket standards, will be installed in an effort to enter the Guinness World Records.
Pooja Patti, centre director, Phoenix MarketCity, Chennai, said cricket fans can sign good luck messages for their favourite cricketer and for Team India on the bat. “Cricket is a favourite game for Chennaiites. This is our way to support and boost the morale of Team India to bring home the cup,” she said.
Conducted as part of #TheCupThatUnitesTheNation campaign, many augmented reality and virtual reality booths for fans to get a real feel of the stadiums and the cricket pitch when the matches are underway. There will also be a life size cricket chrome ball on display at Palladium.
For the cricket-crazy epicurean, head to the city’s popular hangouts, as top hotels and pubs offer special discounts on food and drinks along with a visual treat by holding special screening of the matches. At Off the Record, one of the most sought after watering hole for the milennials, party-goers can grab a third cocktail for free while watching exclusive screening of India matches. Similar offers are available with special screenings at Boats and Thirsty Crow.
“We have purchased a licence to screen matches on large projector screens. Since we had big promotions during IPL, we have toned down a bit for the World Cup. So till India is in the race, we will continue to offer free cocktails,” said Arasu Dennis of AD Associates, a food and beverage consultant.
There is something for the couch potatoes too. Food delivery apps dole out discounts on food during match hours. Cab aggregators have kicked it up a notch by offering tickets to UK to watch matches for fans that take certain number of rides.