Ahead of first CSK match in 2020, Chennai fans prep for pandemic-style viewings

CHENNAI: With the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) competing in the first Indian Premier League (IPL) match in 2020 on Saturday, fans and restaurants in the city are gearing up for the cricket season amid unlock restrictions and social distancing norms enforced in the city.

For S Vinod, watching the match from home will open up the opportunity of forming new traditions. Typically accustomed to watching all home matches at Chepauk stadium and a handful of away matches at the respective stadium, the CSK fan will, this year watch matches with fellow fans at their houses.

“This time, I will be watching the match with my whole family. We are all quarantined at home together. My family has always seen me on television, in the audience, but now, we will be watching together. I am really looking forward to the new experience with them,” said the 31-year-old.

Many fans have also purchased virtual match tickets, in an attempt to show their support for CSK while sitting at home. As this allows fans’ reactions to be showcased on a screen at the stadium, fans say they will be decked up in their CSK garb to show their solidarity.

Fan clubs like The Whistle Podu Army are also preparing to meet on an online Zoom chatroom before the match to discuss and talk about their expectations for the match. Certain traditions, like wearing a lucky jersey and praying before the match, will continue, despite the geographical distance. Resto-bars in the city, such as The Cycle Gap in Anna Nagar, will be hosting viewing parties with special offers for match-watchers. Many bars encourage patrons to reserve tables in advance so that they can watch the match while maintaining social distancing norms.

However, the unlock restrictions do throw a spanner in the works for a few bars. “The match starts at 7.30, but we have to close by 8 pm as per the regulations. Therefore, we will be playing the match on television, but we are not holding viewing parties or giving any special offers as many patrons will have to leave right at the beginning,” said a manager of a high-end pub in the city.

My family has always seen me on television, in the audience, but now, we will be watching together. I am really looking forward to the new experience with them —S Vinod, CSK fan