Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) fans were in for a disappointment when they visited the iconic Chepauk Stadium for a clash between their beloved team and the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). The fervent supporters were denied entry into the stadium while carrying KKR posters and banners, leading to a wave of discontent among the fanbase.

Disappointment Among KKR Fans

The news of KKR fans being barred from entering the Chepauk Stadium with their team’s paraphernalia spread like wildfire across social media platforms. Fans expressed their dismay over the incident, labelling it as shambolic and unfair to the passionate supporters who had travelled to support their team.

See Also: IPL 2024: Jadeja’s spectacular spell helps CSK lead the show

Fan Outrage at Chepauk

The decision to prohibit KKR banners and posters inside the stadium was met with widespread outrage among the KKR faithful. Many questioned the legitimacy of denying entry to fans based on their allegiance to a particular team, especially in a league as inclusive and diverse as the Indian Premier League (IPL).

CSK’s Performance and Home Advantage

CSK’s decision to enforce strict regulations regarding banners and posters can be attributed to their desire to maintain a home advantage. With the team struggling to find form in the initial stages of the tournament, CSK’s management likely saw restricting KKR’s supporters as a means to tilt the scales in their favour.

Kolkata Knight Riders’ Unbeaten Streak

Despite the setback at Chepauk, the Kolkata Knight Riders have been on a remarkable run in IPL 2024. With three consecutive victories under their belt, including impressive performances from both batsmen and bowlers, KKR currently sits comfortably at the second spot in the points table.

About the Match: CSK vs KKR

After losing the toss, KKR opened for batting, but kept on losing the wickets at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on 8 April. They scored 137/9 in 20 overs and gave Ruturaj’s CSK 138 runs target to chase. For CSK, Tushar Deshpande and Ravindra Jadeja picked three wickets each, while Mustafizur Rahman took two wickets and Maheesh Theekshana clinched one. 

The marquee match between India and Pakistan in the upcoming ICC ODI World Cup 2023 is very likely to be played at Kolkata’s iconic Eden Gardens stadium. However, MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai has also been shortlisted as a potential location for the high-voltage match, according to reports. In case any inconvenience comes up Kolkata facilitating the touchy conflict, Chennai could be granted the match.

Eden Gardens has facilitated various India versus Pakistan conflicts previously, including the one that was played in the T20 World Cup 2016. Virat Kohli scored 55* runs in 37 deliveries as the MS Dhoni-led team defeated the Men in Green by six wickets in the match. The storied Indo-Pak match that India won by 29 runs previously took place at the IS Bindra PCA Stadium in Mohali during the 2011 ODI World Cup.

However, the controversy surrounding Pakistan’s participation in the World Cup on Indian soil has not yet been resolved, as the Pakistan Cricket Board, led by Najam Sethi, had previously requested that Bangladesh be considered for hosting Pakistan’s World Cup matches. Even though that is highly unlikely, Pakistan and India have not reached a decision on this, so the discussions are still ongoing.

In the meantime, according to reports, 12 settings have been concluded to have all the matches of the impending World Cup. The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad has been shortlisted to host the final, and each venue is expected to host four matches.

India’s Asia Cup matches likely to be hosted outside Pakistan

India’s Asia Cup matches are likely to be held outside of Pakistan. Notably, the refusal of India to play the Asia Cup on Pakistani soil sparked the discussion about holding Pakistan’s World Cup matches in Bangladesh. Sethi, the head of the PCB, initially objected to the idea, but he eventually agreed to the idea of holding India’s matches in another nearby nation if the ICC and BCCI honored their request regarding their position on the World Cup venue. Nations, for example, the UAE, Oman and Sri Lanka are in the know to have India’s Asia Cup matches.

The PCB also retaliated after the BCCI’s decision by stating that the board would not send its team to the coveted ICC World Cup if India boycotted the Asia Cup, contrary to earlier reports

Sources have reported that the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka, might host the match if Pakistan does not agree to play in India and if the ICC and BCCI grant permission. The schedule and the location, on the other hand, won’t be revealed until after everything has been finalized, so the ICC has yet to make any announcements in this regard.

MS Dhoni has dispatched all of the top bowlers over the park numerous times throughout his career, so hitting towering sixes is nothing new for him. Dhoni, captain of Chennai Super Kings, is making every effort to be ready for the IPL 2023 as the event draws closer.

The fans are spoiled beyond belief by MS Dhoni’s mere presence at Chepauk in Chennai, and watching him smoke sixes is the cherry on top for them

CSK posted a video of a practice match to Twitter, where the crowds were seen going crazy after Dhoni hit a big six, which even got coach Michael Hussey to cheer.

This season, the Indian Premier League (IPL) returns to its traditional home and away format after a three-year hiatus. Home ground advantage gives local fans a chance to see their favorite players.

Even though his batting prowess hasn’t received the necessary return, the 41-year-old Dhoni remains a top draw due to his bulging biceps and never-ending flash reflexes.

Dhoni has seen it all during his 16 years as an IPL player, winning multiple titles, handing over the captaincy to Ravindra Jadeja, and taking it back again at CSK. However, since nothing lasts forever, this IPL season may be his final with CSK, the four-time champions.