The stage is set and it’s time for the action to begin. The much awaited 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is finally set to take place on the 13th of September, but with the pandemic lockdown protocol in place. It also means, the electrifying atmosphere of the fans will be missed. However, to boost the experience that is synonym to every IPL game, the stadium atmosphere will be filled with pre-recorded cheers and fans’ reactions.
Initiative By The Franchises
In a move that could boost the players’ experience of playing at empty stadiums, all eight franchises joined hands in making provision for pre-recorded cheers and fan’s recorded that will highlight every match day. Marred by protocols surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, fans had to make way at this season’s IPL. But with this initiative by the franchises, it could just boost their performances and experience.
An Unusual Experience For Players: Kohli
Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Virat Kohli is of the opinion that playing in a stadium without fans will be a whole new experience to the players. Some could even take time to adapt to the new set up. The echoing sound of the ball hitting the bat will dot the absence of the noise crowds create at stadiums. “I haven’t experienced the echo of the ball hitting the bat since he played Ranji Trophy back in 2010.”, said Kohli.
IPL Officials Back Move To Boost Players’ Experience
Filling up a void that was created with the absence of the fans and also the protocols of sticking to the bio-bubble, IPL Officials backed the idea of pre-recorded fan atmosphere. The fans, when glued to their screens will experience the same noise and fan-fare that every other IPL match in the past possessed. As for the players, there will be noise, although not the actual one, but enough to boost their performance.