Hyderabad, April 16: Blame it on the overdose of cricket, the exam season or absence of Symonds and Gilchrist, IPL-4 has not been exciting for denizens. For those who came to cheer at the Rajiv Gandhi International stadium in Uppal, the chaotic parking, lack of proper facilities and high prices of eatables has made the experience quite a nightmare.
The situation is more stark with half-filled stands cheering the host and rival teams during the two matches that have taken place at the Uppal stadium.
Another matter which came to light on Thursday is that most people who walked in had not paid for the ticket but were there on complimentary passes.
“It has been a long month with the World Cup cricket preceding the T20 tournament. I am no more interested in watching the game for some days even though I am an avid fan. It is because of my children that I had to come otherwise I would have skipped it,” said G Vishawanath, a private employee from Habsiguda, who came to watch Thursday’s match between Hyderabad Deccan Chargers and Bangalore Royal Challengers, with his two kids.
Losses in the first two matches for the local team has also dampened the spirit of cricket lovers.
“Till Thursday, the Chargers had never won a match at its home ground. This is a good beginning (a win against the Royal Challengers) and I hope more people turn up for future matches,’’ said another spectator.
Absence of hard-hitters has also proved to be a dampener. “We are missing Gilly (Adam Gilchrist) and Symmo (Andrew Symmonds) this time. They were real crowd-pullers and I came for almost all matches of the Hyderabad team last time. Now, I am no more interested in watching all matches. As I have a holiday today, so I thought of coming for the match,” said V Gangadhar, an employee from Dilsukhnagar.
For youngsters, particularly those studying degree and higher studies, IPL fixtures have come at a wrong time.
“We skipped our studies from the quarter-finals stage of the World Cup, where India played and won against top teams like Australia, Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the finals. Now, I have to get back to my studies,’’ said a degree student, Chaitanya, who preferred to miss the match.
For those who came to the stadium, lack of facilities left them sore. Spectators are not allowed to carry eatables inside but they are available inside at a high cost.
“Two medium-sized samosas are priced at Rs 30. However, some vendors are selling them at higher prices,’’ complained K Lavanya, who came along with her children. Same is the case with other eatables.
Pizzas are priced at Rs100, puffs and sandwiches around Rs 40-Rs 50 with a bottle of soft drink costing Rs 20. Even a glass of water costs anywhere between Rs 5- Rs10.
“The toilets are in a bad shape. There is no water facility and the place is stinking,” said another spectator who watched the match from the terrace of the north pavilion.
Due to a semi-finished stadium, there is also no power facility at places where eatables are sold.
–Agencies