Kozhikode: The IPL Fan Park organized by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) as part of promoting the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) attracted a large number of fans at the Malabar Christian College ground in the City despite minor showers. On the giant LED screen set up at the Ground, cricket lovers watched the matches between Gujarat Lions and Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians on Sunday. The two-day Fan Park began on Saturday. Kozhikode is one of the 36 venues where the BCCI is conducting the IPL Fan Park this season.
Though the IPL Fan Park was introduced two years back, this is the first time Kozhikode is hosting it. Apart from watching IPL matches live on giant screen, connoisseurs can also take part in various fun games and lucky draws at IPL Fan Park. The BCCI has also arranged a first aid centre, refreshment centre, kids corner and food court as part of the Fan Park. Entry to the venue is free. “The aim is to bring the IPL’s spirit to more people across India. We chose Kerala to be one of the hosting centres of the IPL Fan Park because we wanted the people to have a much bigger experience,” said Murthy K.N.S from DNA Networks, in-charge of the IPL Fan Park in South India.
“Watching the games on a giant screen is really a big experience and the high quality sound and surroundings actually made me feel that I am watching the IPL match from the ground in a real stadium,” said one of the connoisseurs Vishnu. The programme is being conducted in association with the Kozhikode District Cricket Association. “Such programmes would help the game to get more popular among the public and will definitely contribute to the growth of cricket in the region,” said KDCA Secretary K.V Sanil Chandran. The next venue in Kerala is Kochi.
