Bangalore Royals cheerleaders, GMR's Bhangra troupe rock Kotla's IPL match
30 Apr 2008, 2110 Hrs

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New Delhi, Apr. 30 (ANI): Contrary to press reports that suggested that skimpily-dressed cheerleaders would be conspicuously absent at the Ferozshah Kotla grounds during the match between the Delhi Daredevils and Bangalore Royal Challengers, a group of girls emerged fully charged up in their "normal" attire.

Cheerleaders of the Bangalore Royal Challengers team rocked the stadium with their assorted manouvres, as the GMR-owned Delhi Daredevils team is yet to hire one. They, however, presented their flavor of the season - a Bhangra dance troupe.

A controversy over cheerleaders arose last week when Pakistani all rounder Shahid Afridi it was difficult for a family person to watch the IPL matches in the presence of such distractions.

It was further sparked off after Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister R R Patil expressed a similar view in the face of rising opposition pressure, notably from the right-wing Shiv Sena. Patil, however, had to take back his words after BCCI President Sharad Pawar "intervened" in the matter.

Spectators appeared a wee bit disappointed over the presence of so few cheerleaders.

Shalu Nihal, who had come to watch the match all the way from the Rohini area of the capital, said the presence of cheerleaders in T20 matches should not be seen as such a big deal as this version of cricket was nothing but pure entertainment.

She also said that the presence of the cheerleaders only added to the overall excitement and entertainment available during the game.

Her sister-in-law Anisha had a different view. She said that if people are coming here to watch cricket, there was no need for additional excitement.

The atmosphere at the Kotla ground was otherwise fully charged as the Delhi Daredevil skipper Virender Sehwag hit two long sixes landing miles away into the second floor stand before falling for his individual score of 24. His partner, Gautam Gambhir was still at the crease.

The latest score was 75 for one in eight overs. By Pankaj Yadav (ANI)