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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.
Earlier this year, the Election Commission assigned the whistle as the official symbol for the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party, founded by actor Vijay. This party is preparing to contest against the incumbent DMK government.
For Vijay's supporters, the whistle holds cultural significance, amplified by his recent film 'GOAT' and his earlier movie 'Bigil'. TVK workers have been actively campaigning with the whistle symbol across the state.
On the field, New Zealand successfully chased down Afghanistan's score of 182, with Tim Seifert scoring 65 runs from 42 balls. Despite an early setback, Seifert and Glenn Phillips built a crucial partnership, guiding New Zealand to a comfortable victory.
