Of distressed faces and love for sport

Deepankar Sharda

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 12

A day before the second One Day International between India and Sri Lanka, the IS Bindra PCA stadium here was abuzz with activities. While there was a group of young enthusiasts that was happy to devote their time to make the ground fit for tomorrow’s encounter, another group in the uniform was disappointed at the way they had been rushed in to the guard the venue.

The contrast between the two made one recall the words by American singer Burno Mars. “You pick up some fans and handful of haters along way.” 

Not caring about the chilly conditions in the middle, the young fans were seen carrying out different works on ground. And all this was for the lure of watching their favourite cricketers from a close distance. 

“We are not expecting anything in return,” said one of the youngsters. “We just want to see our favourite players in action.”   

“One of the senior boys from our group had asked us if we wanted to be a part of the ground staff and we immediately said ‘yes’. Yesterday, we got our entry cards and here we are, right behind the sight screen,” said 18-year-old Raju, a student of Government School, Sector 47. 

His counterpart, 19-year-old Mahesh added: “Even if they pay us for our work, it will be a mere Rs 250 per day. But that’s not really important. Standing right on the field on the day of the match is what we are looking forward to.” 

“Our duty is to clear the rough patches. Clearing the pitch and in case of rain, handling the covers. All this is a part of the sport. Even when we play along with our friends we perform various duties,” added Mahesh, a student of a private school in Sector 20. 

The group usually plays cricket thrice a week at the Phase II Mandi Ground in Mohali.

The other group members Raman, Sonu, Hari Shankar and Suresh, who all have been appointed as assistant ground staff, remain excited at the prospect of witnessing an international match from such a close range.  

“We have been asked to assemble at Gate Number 9 (north pavilion) at 9am and stay till the end of the match. It will be excited to watch the players live in action. Many among us are here for the first time. Though, we are not professionals, it will be a learning experience for all of us,” said Hari Shankar.

The inconvenienced 

While the youngsters were happy to be on the ground, there were a few who were inconvenienced by the sport.

Policemen from various districts of Punjab reached directly to the stadium to join their duty. 

There were various reasons behind the distressed faces, but a common among all was that they were not given enough time to refresh and were directly rushed to the venue. 

“We received the order last evening and today we are here. Though, we reached here on time, we were not given any time to refresh ourselves. Our baggage here is the example of what we have gone through since morning,” said a young Punjab Police recruit. 

“It’s hard to believe such a security level for just one sport. Half of the state’s force is here and performing duties without adequate equipment in this chill. We are not been provided any stay as off now and half the day has already passed,” added another.  

The personnel at gate number 1 and 1B, and those covering the playing arena are being provided with track suits. “They are performing the same duty as we are. It should be even for everyone. This chilly winter won’t affect only those who are deployed on VIP duties,” laughed a policeman.