Date:12/05/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/05/12/stories/2008051258660300.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Cheergirls go in for a ‘change’

V.V. Subrahmanyam

BJP activists issue threat to match organisers on dress code

Photo: Satish H.

NEW LOOK: Cheergirls dancing in their changed outfits at the Uppal stadium during the match between Deccan Chargers and Kolkata Knight Riders on Sunday.

HYDERABAD: There was a change in the dress code for the cheergirls, following the threat issued by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) activists to stage a protest.

The organisers seem to have mended their ways much before the start of the game to ensure a smooth conduct of the high-profile match between Deccan Chargers and Kolkata Knight Riders at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium.

Disappointing fare

But, there was no change in the script for the hosts and this was to the huge disappointment of the capacity crowd which trooped into the venue only to leave dispirited. The reason was pretty obvious -- fourth straight defeat at home.

That a majority of the fans braved the scorching heat to be in their seats at least two hours before the start of the match was an indication of how charged up they were for the big occasion.

And it is a pity that they continue to watch the games from the stands paying Rs. 10 for a glass of water in the least spectator-friendly ambience.

However, the big consolation for them being at last one star from their domestic pool -- Y. Venugopala Rao – who held his own, dazzling under the floodlights with a totally unexpected onslaught to evoke a huge response to his big hits.

‘Dadagiri’

But the Hyderabadis’ affection to the ‘Prince of Kolkata’ was indisputable even at this point of his career.

The huge roar of applause when the third umpire negated a run-out appeal when he was batting was a indication of how much they loved to see him bat.

It’s not just the first time that Saurav Ganguly should have felt ‘at home’ in the city and with his ‘Dadagiri’ on display during his scintillating knock he did not belie their hopes even as the stars of local team Adam Gilchrist, Herschelle Gibbs and the likes failed to fire again.

‘Showmen’ missing

No doubt, there was huge disappointment on other front too -- Pakistan cricket’s showman Shoaib Akthar not playing and Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, owner of the Kolkata Knight Riders franchise, not turning up. Yet the touch of glamour was there when Salman Khan’s brother Abraaz Khan went for a ‘walk’ in front of the Eastern Stands to lusty cheers before the match.

But, in the end, it was all clear that Deccan Chargers seemed to be determined to be ‘perfect hosts’.