Cricket fans bond in Kallang

Cricket fans bond in Kallang

The Adelaide Oval overflowed in a sea of blue and green on Feb 15. Looking at those in the stands, you would be forgiven if you thought the game was being played in the sub-continent. Indian and Pakistani cricket fans roared themselves hoarse and backed their teams all the way.

Not to miss the once-in-four years action, cricket fans in Singapore also got a chance to root for their favourite teams - in a tent in Kallang.

The Singapore Cricket Association, bowing to popular request, organised a free live screening of the India-Pakistan World Cup cricket match that took place in Adelaide. Around 600 fans turned up, some staying the entire duration of the match - from 11.30am to 8pm. The live screening was supported by SingTel.

Said the events and league manager of Singapore Cricket Association Shanthan Reddy, 28: "We were getting a lot of calls from people enquiring whether there would be a screening of the big match." It was then that he decided to organise the screening. He used the Singapore Cricket Association Facebook page to let people know of the screening.

Viewers were treated to the game on a 20 ft diagonal high-definition screen in a large tent that could seat 1,000 people. "It was not easy setting up the screen as we had no TV point but thankfully we got the approval from SingTel for the technical logistics," said Mr Reddy.

The screening was a great occasion for all present - local cricket players, local Indians and Indian expats - coming together and bonding over the match. Some came with their families.

Said Ms Malni Rangarajan, 40, a member of the Singapore women's cricket team: "The atmosphere was very lively and it was great to cheer for the Indian team with many supporters rather than sitting at home in front of the TV."

During the break, there was a short quiz contest with questions related to cricket and winners were given prizes such as sports water bottles and T-shirts.

A food and drinks stall was set up which proved to be quite convenient for the fans as they could watch the proceedings on the screen as well as have a bite without having to leave the venue. Mr Pinakin Patel, 33, an avid cricket fan, said: "I definitely want to be a part of more live screenings as it not only brings cricket fans together but it is also a good social event."


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