Cricket mania hits fever pitch

Hyderabad: Cricket fever is in the air and the ones cheering are not just the game enthusiasts but also hoteliers and pub owners in the city.

As Team India gets ready to battle West Indies in the semifinals of the ICC World Twenty20, hopes are running high among cricket buffs. From IT professionals who have decided to show up at work early in order to be able to clock out early in the evening, to students from colleges and schools, people from all walks of life have decided to come out in large numbers to celebrate India's 'very probable' triumph in the much-hyped face-off on Thursday.

Several enthusiasts are even claiming that since the match is on Thursday, said to be an auspicious day, it will boost India's chances of winning. In any case, Team India jerseys are flying off the shelves of several sports outlets in the city.

Satya Ayyagiri, a software engineer, feels watching a match as part of a large group of cheerful supporters gives you a different kind of thrill. "Adrenalin runs high when hundreds gather to watch cricket in front of an LED screen at one place. Supporters wear the team jersey, scream, cheer and enjoy food at various restaurants. Affordable packages are just the cherry on top of the cake," he said.

Restaurants and pubs in the city are, in fact, quick to cash in on the cricket fever. From dressing their waiters in Indian jerseys to introducing exclusive themed dishes for the occasion, sports bars and pubs are gearing up for roaring business on Thursday. Riding on the high generated by India's victories this season, especially the nail-biting match against Australia, hotels have lined up a string of exciting packages and offers.


"We have themed desserts, special biryani and cocktails dedicated to Team India. Popular dishes from nations participating in T20 will be served to guests during the screening," said the executive manager of a five-star hotel in Hi-Tec City.


Smaller pubs and sports bars are also expecting to attract customers with affordable packages on food and liquor. In fact, even regular pubs and bars in the city have added LED Television screens or projectors to give the place a sports-bar like ambience.

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Cricket mania or absolute madness which also show cases nationalism when the team wins. If it losses the players families are attacked which must be avoided. Enjoy the sportDulla C Sekhar


For example, N-District in Jubilee Hills has added 2 LED flat screens to its interiors. As an added garnish, they have roped in a Punjabi dhol player to play during the match and a DJ to continue the 'victory party' afterwards. "In addition to unlimited food and beverages that will be served during the match, people will also be given goodie bags containing merchandises such as T-shirts and mugs," said Suresh Kumar Dogra, general manager of N-district.


Similarly, expecting a high footfall during the semi-finals, Xtreme Sports bar has decided not to levy a cover charge. "Traditionally, during important World Cup matches, the bar sees a higher footfall than on normal days. Even families troop into the bar to watch the match. With no cover charge, we are expecting the footfall to go up even higher," said Pavitra Paramanik, manager of Xtreme Sports Bar in Jubilee Hills.

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