IPL 2018: CSK CEO reveals reason behind booking train for fans to Pune home games

Chennai: After a two-year comeback in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Chennai Super Kings won’t be able to play witness any action anymore at the renowned Chepauk Stadium after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) decided to shift the home games to Pune.

The decision was taken after due to security concerns in the city surrounding protests by pro-Tamil groups on the ongoing Cauvery issue.

But in order to keep their fans happy, the CSK management arranged an entire train named the Whistle Podu Express for its fans to travel from Chennai to Pune in order to support the two-time champions.

Calling the renowned Yellow Brigade the team’s 12th man, CSK CEO, Kasi Vishwanathan says this is the least they could do for them.

"The inaugural train journey was flagged off by Mr. Rakesh Singh, Executive President, India Cements Ltd, our sponsor. CSK management wishes to thank the Southern Railways for arranging a special train. CSK wishes to organise similarly for all its home games in Pune for fans from Chennai to travel and witness the matches in Pune subject to availability of trains," Kasi was quoted as saying by Sportskeeda.

A total of 13 coaches, including one A/C coach, has been allotted to the supporters. Other expenses including travel, food, accommodation, match tickets and jerseys were also arranged by CSK.

"Without the fans, Chennai Super Kings are nothing. This is the least we can do for the fans who are loyal to us. So, we decided to make prior arrangements for the fans to go all the way to Pune and watch their team play. There were over 10000 fans to see the team train for the IPL before the tournament started and we expected at least 1000 people to board the train to Pune. The response we eventually got is overwhelming," Kasi added.

The MS Dhoni-led side will now face the Rajasthan Royals on Friday.