Fans treated to Kohli charisma in Mullanpur’s final IPL clash

Beating the scorching heat, cricket fans turned up in large numbers to cheer not only for hosts Punjab Kings but also another popular franchise, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), at Mullanpur today. The Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Punjab Cricket Association International Stadium hosted its last match of the Indian Premier League’s (IPL) 18th season, with the hosts going down against the visitors by seven wickets.

Punjab Kings, who were on a high after winning back-to-back matches, found themselves locked in a battle for fan support with former Indian skipper and star RCB opener Virat Kohli right from the start.

“My mother and I support Kohli, but my father is supporting Punjab Kings. It was exciting to see which one of us would win the battle,” said Priyanshi, a young spectator.

“RCB is the best team, with world-class players and above all, they have Kohli. Last time, the rain played spoilsport but we got to enjoy a full game today,” said Sushant, another spectator, adding, “I just wanted to see Kohli batting at his best today.”

Several stands also had around 35 to 40 police personnel, many of whom enjoyed the match from near the fence — an area otherwise restricted for fans.

Meanwhile, all roads leading to the stadium witnessed bumper-to-bumper traffic. Even after the start of the match, fans were seen queued up at the entry awaiting their turn. “I started around 1.30 pm, but it took me almost two hours to reach my designated gate. The support for RCB is surely more than that of the hosts Kings. I am eagerly waiting to enter the stadium,” said Prabhnoor, a spectator.

Vendors make a quick buck

The locals took advantage of the scorching heat to sell ice creams, water bottles and cold drinks to those standing in long queues and also to those approaching the stadium entrance gates.

“The demand for cold drinks and water bottles is high. No one objects to paying some extra amount for getting a chilled bottle of water,” said Sonu, a local resident. With no shops located nearby, the vendors made a quick buck.

Gatecrashing galore at the stadium

Several fans at the stadium complained about gatecrashing incidents. “It happened right in front of me. An officer brought two or three people and they directly entered the stands. Later, I saw them standing in the aisle,” said a spectator. Some spectators, who entered the stadium without ticket, were seen being taken out by the police.