Fans expect IPL to be a family entertainer

However, supporters, who DT Next caught up with, made no complaints. They stated that the 13th edition of the league would present everyone an opportunity to enjoy the matches at home, with their family members and friends. One such hardcore fan, 81-year-old Sharadambal Visweswaran, said that she can’t wait to get glued to the TV.

“I have been watching cricket for the past 40 years. Our family enjoys the sport a lot and we plan to watch IPL together this time around. I am eagerly waiting for it to begin. My favourite IPL team is Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and I love its captain MS Dhoni,” said Sharadambal, a Chennai resident.

“I have marked the dates in the calendar so that we don’t miss the matches,” added an exuberant Sharadambal. As the health crisis has showed no signs of stopping, a number of people continue to work from their homes. Uma Viswanathan, a mother of two, felt that there won’t be any distraction when the eight-team competition is on.

“My husband and other family members go crazy when there is a Super Kings match. Looking at that, I kind of get attracted to the league and watch it. This time, I will join them. Unlike the previous years, we will watch the games together on all days and not just the weekends. It is something that doesn’t happen often,” said Uma, part of the family whose age bracket ranges between 16 and 81.

Meanwhile, the Whistle Podu Army, the official fan club of three-time title-winner CSK, has plans in place for the season ahead. “Because of the ongoing COVID-19 situation, we won’t be able to catch the action live. If possible, a total of 20 to 30 fans will come together online and enjoy the stream. We will do it zone or city-wise as many supporters are ready to join us from different regions,” revealed Martin, a member of the Whistle Podu Army.

“The upcoming IPL will be completely different from the previous years, even for fans. We are used to attending all the home games and a few of the away matches,” he added. Martin said that the fan club expects the team to have another successful campaign. “CSK has made it to the play-offs every time it has participated. We have three titles under our belt. We believe in our captain and hopefully, we get our hands on a fourth trophy.”