A TIMES INITIATIVE
Fake VIP syndrome Kotla’s bane
Ferozeshah Kotla, Delhi In the Rajdhani, things are looking up now, but the freeloader culture remains an irritant
By Partha Bhaduri/TNN
New Delhi: The Ferozeshah Kotla, as it stands today, is a strange blend of antiquity and modernity. While the mausoleum of Ferozeshah nearby casts a historical shadow over the stadium, a brand new structure indicates how times have changed.
As is true with most Indian grounds, Kotla too has its quota of problems. To begin with, dangerously jutting steel pillars and ubiquitous construction rubble have been an eyesore for close to three years now. On the other hand, Kotla probably ranks marginally higher on the comfort scale, but that’s only because facilities provided to spectators at other key cricket venues across the country are abysmal.
The biggest problem, though, lies elsewhere: The frenetic clamour for passes, or complimentary tickets, before every international game. This awful practice is institutionalised, forcing even Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) president Arun Jaitley to comment on the eve of the recent India-England One-dayer that Delhi’s bigwigs should get into the habit of buying tickets. It hasn’t made an iota of difference, of course. Hordes of freeloaders throng the stands and premium boxes. The association maintains that its hands are tied. ‘‘These are influential people who ask for free entry,’’ a senior officebearer told TOI. ‘‘How do you expect us to refuse them? This is Delhi after all!’’
The end result? Only 20,000 tickets went on sale for the general public during the India-England One-dayer last month, with an equal number of obligatory passes reserved for the VVIPs, DDCA club members, police, fire department and MCD officials, and their kith and kin. ‘‘Delhi people should get out of this fake VIP syndrome,’’ says an incensed Jaitley. But the problems starts from within. DDCA officials themselves distribute their quota of 4500 passes any which way they like.
This maddening propensity has assumed epidemic proportions, so much so that legitimate tickets often remain unsold, or sell for ridiculously low prices outside the stadium gate on the day of a game. On March 28, for example, tickets worth Rs 1,000 were selling for as low as Rs 300, and a ground-in-charge was even apprehended trying to smuggle in people. All this happens even as many bonafide ticket holders cannot even enter the ground.
However, circumstances leading up to that One-dayer proved that even the faction-ridden DDCA could close ranks and work overtime when confronted with a crisis situation. They somehow managed to speed up the stadium reconstruction work, which is already running way behind schedule, but it remains to be seen how the ordinary spectator will benefit. The common explanation provided is the claustrophobic security, which prevents spectators from carrying in eatables, water bottles or even mobile phones. Then, there is this cramped seating in what can often be searing hot weather. The renovation has gobbled up an astronomical Rs 500 million so far (by conservative estimates), and more money is required.
But the DDCA is talking big, claiming it wants to revolutionise the way the game is watched here. Vice-president Chetan Chauhan agrees that facilities are a far cry from what he calls the “relaxed picnic-like environment” present at grounds in Australia, New Zealand or even South Africa. “Our longterm aim is to bring about comprehensive change. We want to ensure that no spectator has to sit out in the sun,” he said.
TOI RATINGS
Access to the ground
While it’s centrally located, traffic snarls occur often on big matchdays. Parking your car and getting inside are problem areas too. However, for a teeming metro, access to Kotla is ok. And if you know the right people, or are willing to part with some money, you can be escorted in without any hassle.
6/10
Water and food availability
Like all other Indian grounds, there is a big question mark here, but judging by the last game, things are looking up somewhat despite security c o n s t r a i n t s . Spectators are still not allowed to carry in anything, but special food courts have been set up at reasonable prices at all floors and drinking water arrangements are also better. For the corporate boxes and those availing of VVIP benefits, there is no trouble at all, with even liquor flowing freely.
6/10
Seating comfort
As good, or as bad, as elsewhere. There’s fixed seating availability now in place of the rented chairs on offer earlier, but leg room is minimal, unless you are sitting in one of the 43 corporate boxes, of course.
5/10
Toilets
The less said the better. Looking on the brighter side, however, at least they are there. Many women avoid turning up because of this very problem. Men don’t care; they can take a leak anywhere.
2/10
Overhead protection
The top tiers are all uncovered for now, apart from the Old Club House end, which houses the corporate boxes, the VVIP enclosure and the press box. The DDCA plans to change all that in the future and cover everything.
5/10
Outfield and pitch
There’s been more controversy of late on that account, with India playing Pakistan on an underprepared pitch last year. But the strip has been under supervision of the BCCI pitch official Daljit Singh and things looked up against Sri Lanka last December, or against England more recently. The pitch is a bit on the slow side, however, and is occasionally two-paced. ICC match referee Clive Lloyd doesn’t like it though. Outfield, however, looks better with the new Bermuda grass.
5/10
Dressing room
One area where the DDCA definitely scores over the competition. The new pavilion is a player’s dream, with centralised AC, a massage parlour and spacious arrangements.
7/10
