No MS Dhoni’s ‘Thala darshan’ for CSK fans before IPL

On Tuesday evening, as Chennai Super Kings trooped in for a practice session, around 500-800 fans waited outside the MA Chidambaram Stadium after rumours spread that the gates will be opened for the public. Wednesday was no different. On multiple gates of the stadium, one could spot at least 100-odd fans, waiting patiently. On Wallajah road there were even a few trying their luck by peeping through the holes in the facade… All of this for a glimpse of MS Dhoni, or Thala in these parts.

It has been 16 days since Dhoni landed in the city and the fans are yet to get the ‘Thala darshan’ that has become a ritual every season. Since the 2018 season, Chennai Super Kings have used one of their pre-season days to open the stadium for the fans. It either happens for a centre-wicket net session or for a practice game. The clips go viral nationwide as the rest of India click not just to see Dhoni but to gape at how much Chennai loves him. However, this season the same hasn’t happened with the opening match between Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers set to be the occasion for ‘Thala darshan’.

Why the delay?

CSK’s pre-season camp began on March 4. The initial plan was to open the stands for public one week before the start of the IPL as by then their entire star cast would have joined the squad. But with the general elections around the corner, the franchise couldn’t get clearance from the local police to open the stands. Even Dhoni at nets commands such necessities.

Moreover, since the venue is also hosting the opening ceremony on Friday, there is plenty of work happening inside the stadium premises.

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Why is police permission mandatory?

With nearly 3,000-5000 fans expected, seeking permission from the police to manage the crowd is mandatory. Apart from having enough police personnel to manage the crowd, security protocols also need to be enforced for the players.

So no fan darshan?

With several fans complaining about the hike in ticket prices, the practice sessions have become their gateway to watch Dhoni live. It is understood that post the opening game or after the election on April 19, the franchise would stick to its tradition after obtaining the necessary permission.

Black tickets

Though the franchise has moved on from over the counter sales, with all the tickets sold only online, instances of people selling tickets at exorbitant prices continues to exist. The cheapest tickets last season were priced at Rs 1,200. This time it is Rs 1,700. For other stands tickets have been capped at Rs 4,000, 4,500 and 7,500 respectively. On black market, tickets are being sold for double the price with fans venting their anger on social media. On Wednesday a counterfeit website was created to sell fake IPL tickets for CSK’s opening game.

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