Indian Premiere League
Manipal: Sky-high TRP’s, best players from around the world, glamour, glitz and lots of crazy fans- all this courtesy the Indian Premier League (IPL), which has been on air for around a month now. The cricket mania has hit every nook and corner of the country, and undoubtedly, Manipal is not untouched.
Abhishek Kumar, an engineering student says, “Finally, we have something to look forward to in the evenings other than grabbing a couple of drinks. The guys just meet up at a friend’s place, hang out and cheer our respective teams on to victory. My team is the Chennai Super Kings. We even have a small betting pool going on as to which team will emerge victorious at the end.”
However, the MU rule banning the screening of matches in the big screens at Food Court has attracted criticism from a number of the students. Sanjeev S, a student from ICAS says, “Earlier it was very convenient for us to catch up on the matches; moreover the thrill of watching it with hundred others was brilliant. But now the only other feasible option left is the hostel’s common TV room which is not even remotely appealing.”
This ban was brought into effect by the KMC Chief Warden last year, following the destruction of chairs, tables and false ceiling in the Food court by over-excited students celebrating India’s victory in the 20-20 World Cup.
Students who have moved out of the hostels, and live in apartments/houses of their own, however, have no complaints. Sandeep Banga, a MS 2nd year student of MIC says, “Every night has turned into a mini-party. The gang comes over; we whip up some quick and delicious food and dig in after settling ourselves in front of the television. The atmosphere sometimes gets very tense as was the case during the nail biting match between the Royal Challengers and Super Kings.”
The money that is being raked in through advertisements, as well as other promotional measures like music videos, team parties and the like is astronomical. The IPL, so far, has been a profitable venture not just for the BCCI and the players but also the bollywood stars and entrepreneurs like Preity Zinta, Shah Rukh Khan, Mukesh Ambani and Vijay Mallya, who have invested their money in these teams.
The cricket crazy nation has gone berserk this time and the students’ town Manipal seems to be lapping up every minute and loving it!
Sub-edited by Ruchika Sharma |
