Fans show love for struggling Kings

Deepankar Sharda

Tribune News Service

Mohali, April 28

A packed PCA Stadium welcomed Kings XI Punjab as they returned to Mohali after playing a few of their home games at Indore this season.    

The stadium was packed to its capacity as the fans turned in great numbers to watch Kings XI take on Sunrisers Hyderabad in the first IPL encounter here. 

Long queues were witnessed outside Gate No 14, 5, 7 and 9 and fans jostled to make entry into the stadium, giving a tough time to the police personnel on duty. 

The police were finding it hard to control the unexpected crowd and last minute arguments made things even more difficult. Huge traffic rush was also observed outside the venue.

Meanwhile, playing in front of a strong 30,000 home crowd, Kings conceded 207 runs. 

“It’s a part of the game. They have conceded runs, but I am sure they will fight back,” said Rupinder Brar, a spectator. “I am here to enjoy the game and it’s good to see such environment,” Brar added.

Police kept on toes

Spectators coming to watch the first IPL match at the PCA Stadium alleged that they were harassed by the police patrol parties. They claimed that despite adequate security, there was mismanagement at all the gates, except the VIP entries. 

The police, meanwhile, had to resort to mild lathicharge to disperse trouble makers. 

Yuvi remains a favourite  

Fans, meanwhile, cheered for the local boy Yuvraj Singh even as the dashing left-hander was a part of the visiting team. 

Yuvraj did not last long in the middle as he was dismissed by Kings XI skipper Glenn Maxwell after making a 12-ball 15, but fans kept on shouting “Yuvi, Yuvi”, and even rooted for the all-rounder when he turned up with the ball in his hand.        

Meanwhile, spectators were seen vacating the stadium after Shaun Marsh departed in the 16th over of the Kings XI chase.  

Marsh scored 50-ball 84 before being swallowed by Deepak Hooda at deep mid-wicket off Bhuvneshwar Kumar.     

Foreigners duped 

Steve and his brother Anky, who along with three of their friends, were here to watch Kings XI play Sunrisers Hyderabad, had made online booking for their stay at ‘PCA Golden Hotel’, but on reaching here, they found that no such hotel existed in the city.  

The group from Australia ran from pillar to post to get a suitable accommodation and was finally helped by the local media to find a hotel near the stadium. The visitors also approached the police and submitted a written complaint. 

The group will be in the city till April 30, when the hosts play Delhi Daredevils. 

“We have been trying to locate the hotel (PCA Golden Hotel) since last three hours, but no one is helping us…I think, we have been duped in the name of providing the stay,” said Steve. 

The group was also shocked to see huge rush outside the box-office, where from they had to collect their tickets, and later to gain entry inside the stadium.