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✪ Whistle Podu team bus, Thalaiva Dhoni, sparkling Dubai Stadium, and a new press box
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Senior cricket writer & analyst
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It was excitement all around right from the time the ‘Whistle Podu’ team bus with the Chennai team arrived. Though the first to arrive was the Mumbai Indians’ team bus, fans were very eager to meet ‘Thalaiva’ Dhoni. The spruced up Dubai International Stadium sparkled while the whistle and cheers from the fans created a splendid atmosphere.
Chennai Super Kings team bus with their slogan ‘Whistle Podu’
It was a special feel to see cricket fans queueing up to enter the Dubai International Cricket Stadium to watch the first match of the second leg of IPL14. Ever since the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions came into place, cricket fans have not been able to enter any of the three international stadiums in the UAE to watch their stars from the stands despite earlier editions of the Indian Premier League and even the recent Pakistan Super League being held here.
Fans line up to enter the stadium
A few fans could barely contain their joy. S. Manoharan from Chennai who was at the gates much before spectators were permitted in said: “I could not sleep yesterday due to the excitement of being able to watch cricket again from the stadium. So I took off from my work and came here to cheer for my team Chennai. I wanted to see my favourite captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni whom I may be seeing for the last time in action as a player.”
Hari’s T-shirt has Thalaiva Dhoni printed on it
Hari, an ardent Chennai supporter, came wearing a T-shirt having Dhoni’s caricature embossed in it along with the word ‘Thalaiva’ in it. Though in Tamil Nadu, Thalaiva is associated with superstar Rajinikanth, many cricket fans address Dhoni too as Thalaiva. When Dhoni came out to toss, even the Mumbai fans stood up and cheered for him.
The Chennai team came in their team bus with the team’s slogan ‘Whistle Podu’ written in bold on top across the front. From amidst a group of fans admiring the bus, one of them remarked: “Could it be that this bus, instead of a horn, is using a whistle?”
Mumbai Indians team bus with their slogan ‘One Family’
The Mumbai Indians’ team bus has their slogan ‘One Family’ on it. Incidentally, Mumbai Indians have campaigned for the spirit of One Family to counter the global challenges of discrimination. This campaign also reminds people that like a tight-knit family, the Mumbai Indians squad and fans will stay connected despite maintaining the required distance.
Sparkling clean canopy of the Dubai International Stadium
The Dubai International stadium sparkled from far. The huge canopy that covers the stadium has been cleaned and looks sparkling white now. Boards have been placed in many places all through the stadium reminding fans to “Be Wise, Sanitize.” Most fans made sure to maintain social distancing and sat away from each other, and everyone was wearing a mask. The security at the gates ensured that everyone is wearing the mask.
The entrance to the new press box at the Dubai International Stadium
Changes have also been made to the positioning of the press box. It was earlier situated right behind the bowler’s arm. Now its slightly towards the long off area. Many journalists from a number of Malayalam dailies are covering this tournament and I had a good time taking selfies with them.
Journalists from leading Malayalam dailies reporting on the IPL
A Pakistan cricket fan, Muhammad Iqbal, who turned up for the match, said: “It is after years that I am going to watch a live cricket match. I am delighted that I can enjoy cricket from the stands and really want to cheer every shot and every wicket that would fall. With Trent Boult producing a fine opening spell he is sure to have cheered loudly to his heart’s content.
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