XtraTime Web Desk: The 13th edition of the Indian Premier League began on Saturday with Chennai Super Kings inflicting a 5 wickets defeat on last years champions Mumbai Indians. It was a little weird for the fans as the cash rich league is being stage amidst strict health protocols due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Though the fans must have felt relieved that the season has started at last but even the most will admit the experience of viewing IPL wasn’t the same. The buzz, the madness, the flavor, the entertainment, the showbiz and above all the fans presence & involvement in the game were missed by each and everyone. Here are the five things fans missed the most as the opening match was played on Saturday night were –
Empty stands: Without crowds in the stands, IPL viewing experience wasn’t the same. The buzz was missing, the involvement of 50,000-60,000 fans in the stands were missed. Above all fans missed the sense of belonging and togetherness that one gets while watching cricket games in our part of the world.
Real expressions: Host broadcasters Star India did attempt to add canned screams and joys but it made unreal to the ears. The official broadcaster tried desperately to create same viewing experience for the IPL fans sitting at home.
No cheerleaders: Once again a common sight associated with an IPL match at the stadiums was there were no cheerleaders this time. Instead the IPL in the time of pandemic also threw up digital cheerleaders. To mask the absence of crowd in the stands, a long digital signboard spread out like an arc, square of the pitch. It showed visuals of cheer girls dancing after a four or a six was hit.
No celebrations by the players: Sports is all about unadulterated show of passion and emotions The subdued celebrations due to Covid-19 led restrictions was quite a dampener. It was strange to see Lungi Ngidi instinctively went for a high-five after taking a wicket, but didn’t receive any open palms from his cautious teammates.
Million-dollar reactions in the dug-outs: IPL always brings fans closer to their stars – to the dug-outs, team rooms but all that was a miss. The team owners were also missing in the dug outs because of the Covid protocols. The players at the dug-out chose to sit in foldable chairs at a short distance from one another.