Home / Sports / Chennai Bans Whistles: Political Symbol or Cricket Tradition?
Chennai Bans Whistles: Political Symbol or Cricket Tradition?
8 Feb
Summary
- Fans were denied entry for carrying whistles to a cricket match.
- Whistles are strongly linked to Chennai's cricket culture, especially CSK.
- The ban coincides with a political party's use of the whistle symbol.
Spectators attending the New Zealand vs. Afghanistan T20 World Cup match at Chennai's M.A. Chidambaram Stadium faced an unusual restriction: being turned away if they carried whistles. Police personnel enforced this measure, preventing vendors from selling them.
A senior police official later suggested confusion among ground officers, stating no formal ban was in place. This situation is particularly resonant in Chennai, a city where the 'Whistle Podu' chant is a signature element of its cricket fan culture, especially for the Chennai Super Kings.
Whistles are not typically among prohibited items at cricket venues, which usually list items like outside food, alcohol, and fireworks. The timing of this ban is notable given the upcoming Legislative Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu.
