Uproar over IPL Cheerleaders: Politicians, Stars and Players protest

--By Sagar Satapathy, Editor-in-Chief

There is an unprecedented outrage in India over the IPL Cheerleaders who entertain the crowd with their dance and glamour throughout the match. Cheerleaders are very common in Western countries. However, they are being used in India, probably for the first time. BCCI had introduced cheerleaders in IPL matches to add more spice to the game. Even the famous Washington Redskins Cheerleaders were brought in to perform for Bangalore Royal Challengers. However, now BCCI finds itself in a tight spot, after a widespread protest from various quarters.

It could be recalled that Bangalore Royal Challengers skipper Rahul Dravid and other senior cricketers refused to walk on the ramp on these cheerleaders in a recent ramp show. Dravid even termed it as "Bikini Cricket". Among cricketers, Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi expressed displeasure over the use of Cheerleaders in cricket. Kolkata Knight Riders owner Shahrukh Khan also spoke against the use of Cheerleaders. Even the Cheerleaders feel threatened by the aggressive crowd in India. Some of them complained lewd comments and insults from the spectators.

Today, Maharashtra Assembly witnessed a pandemonium over this issue. Opposition BJP, supported by other parties wanted a complete ban on Cheerleaders in IPL matches, and even compared them to bar dancers. Maharashtra MoS Home admitted that use of Cheerleaders in public matches is a disturbing trend and should be banned. BJP leader Shatrughan Sinha too came out in open and demanded a ban on Cheerleaders. Union Tourism Minister Ambika Soni today spoke against the Cheerleaders in IPL.

While the BCCI has tried to put up a volt face and justify the inclusion of Cheerleaders in cricket, it may find it tough to continue with its plan, if more people join the protest over the next few days. It looks imminent that BCCI may have to dump the Cheerleaders sooner or later. People go there to watch cricket, not bikini-clad girls, say critics.