There was a conscious effort to make the ICC World Twenty20 championship a sexy affair. The whole concept is fast and trendy. The cricket is innovative, so why should there not be some colour?
Well, we definitely got the colour and the oomph – in form of svelte cheerleaders dancing athletically whenever a four or a six is hit – and they have proved to be a big hit. The crowds just love them, the organisers say they have been a huge asset and a lot of young guys in India are watching cricket only to see them "shake it up."
Dressed in baggy army-style pants and red tops, with black winter caps to go with them, these 18-something boys and girls are enjoying every moment of it. Sure, it's hard work for them, but according to them, this also gives them an opportunity to get noticed on a global stage.
The girls have been asked to remain away from television reporters and were hesitant to let their voices get recorded, but the guys had no such inhibitions. Said Daniel, "It's great to soak up the atmosphere here. The crowds have been superb and no one calls us names here nor does anyone get abusive. We enjoy ourselves to the hilt."
He further said that all of them – there are about 30 at one venue – are professional dancers and their group has come through some rigorous selection process. "At this stage, we have been asked to identify ourselves as part of the T20 troupe and that's what we will be till September 24," he added.
Another girl in their group, who was happy to talk as long as "you don't record me", said they practised their moves months before the tournament got under way. "It was rigorous practice sessions as co-ordination with other dancers is very important. I hugely enjoy the whole atmosphere. It does get a bit difficult when the mercury drops down but hard work is no problem. It's fun, in fact."
For some of these cheerleaders, a big break can just be around the corner, or so they feel. Laughed Joanna, "You know, a lot of TV audience watches us and we are on the big screens across the grounds. So it's good to be noticed. A lot of people have asked for my autograph as well. I feel like a star!"
Said her colleague Kirsten, "
The whole idea is to have fun. When we are up there on a little stage, we get into the groove with the music and the crowds sway with us. We have a long day but no one's complaining. In any case, every single one of us in the team loves music. That's why we are here and once the beat starts, tiredness goes away."