From big screens to discounts, Chandigarh hotels gear up for India-Pak match

From big screens to discounts on liquor and food, the city hotels are gearing up to provide cricket fans a stadium-like experience on February 15, when arch rivals India and Pakistan will clash in the ICC T20 World Cup at R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo, Sri Lanka.

“Our hotel is creating a stadium-like atmosphere for the World Cup matches, especially the India-Pakistan clash, with free takeaway such as Indian team T-Shirts, free-pitcher on a hat-trick or if a player scores century, besides other offers. A special “World Cup Menu” has been created, where the dishes are named as “Jaffa Pesto Fish”, “Beamer Wings”, “Boundary Breeze” and others,” said A Bhandari, assistant manager (operations), of a Sector 35-based hotel.

“We are coming up with a big plan to make this match a memorable moment for the fans. From big screen to attractive offers, the cricket lovers will surely enjoy the match in a stadium-like environment,” said Manmohan Singh, director of a famous hotel located in Sector 22.

“The hospitality industry is excited about the mega clash with arch rivals Pakistan. The various venues are preparing specially curated menus and atmosphere for the mega event. The clash is termed as the ‘final of the tournament’ and after the recent developments, the fans are more excited for this particular match,” said Ankit Gupta, president of the Chandigarh Hospitality Association and vice-president of the Hotel & Restaurant Association of Northern India.

Certain restaurants are offering discounts on the match day. “We usually run offers on a Sunday, but on February 15, the bar will offer special discounts. We are also likely to organise some fun cricket games, so to provide extra fun to our customers,” said Satish, a manager of a bar-cum-lounge located in a famous shopping-mall.

Meanwhile, sources claimed that various market committees/associations are also planning to install big screens in the open for the live telecast of this match to attract the crowd. “Some famous market associations do arrange such events, but they will be needing a special permission from the UT Administration and clearance from the Chandigarh Police. A prior permission is to be taken, if any group or associations plan to telecast India-Pakistan match in the open,” said a senior functionary of the administration.

Cops on toes to check betting

The Chandigarh Police has intensified vigil to curb any illegal activity, including betting, on the match day.