Ugly side of the IPL showcased as Sunrisers Hyderabad fans bear the brunt

While fans in Hyderabad have been treated to an entertaining dose of cricket, the authorities could do well to set a few things right for future games at least. The crowds at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium (RGICS) do not have a roof to protect them, come rain or shine.

After altering the original plan of one going right around the stadium, every committee of the Hyderabad Cricket Association has ignored this area even as they got canopies over the south and north pavilion terraces that barely cover less than five percent of the stadium’s seating capacity.

The next issue that came to the fore during the ongoing season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) was the rush and chaos created in complementary areas. Those with valid passes could not find seats in some games and could be seen sitting on the steps, which hints at the possibility that more tickets were printed than seats available.

Third, and the ugliest part is the high-handed behaviour of the men in uniform towards the paying public. Their actions made it clear that the crowd is needed only during the IPL game so that interested parties make money out of it.

Spectators forced out during the post-match presentation

As soon as the match is over, they are rather rudely driven out by the posse of policemen as well as private security (Agile) personnel on duty, even as they watch the post-match presentation ceremony. Series of unnerving whistles, threatening waves of clearout as well as physical intimidation in the form of baton charges have been witnessed. Inexplicable, as the spectators purchase the tickets and have every right to be there until prizes for the match are given away.

It’s time higher authorities — in the HCA as well as the Rachakonda Police Commissionerate, under whose jurisdiction the RGICS falls — reviewed the situation and pulled up errant officials to ensure such incidents are not repeated in future.

[interaction id=”5b03f4c8244b2e250dcba5d5″]

Stay updated on ‘today’s cricket news‘ with CricTracker.com.