Games sans cheer

IGP Mahinda Balasuriya certainly is not going to be the toast of millions of Sri Lankan cricket fans. Not after last Friday when he issued a list of banned items into venues hosting world cup matches in Sri Lanka. The IGP’s decision is no doubt going to throw a dampener on the world cup atmosphere in Sri Lanka and would only result in a poor turn out at these matches.

Sri Lankan spectators are well-known for their lusty cheering. Music and drumbeats are part and parcel of the scene at match venues. Therefore banning musical instruments at the stadiums would take away the magic and lustre in Sri Lanka’s segment of the world cup to the great disappointment of the cricket fans.

We are not aware of the reason for the IGP’s decision and hope that this will be revoked to enable our spectators to enjoy this opportunity of Sri Lanka hosting a major international sporting event, to the fullest. Besides famous commentators such as Tony Greig have often made enthusiastic comments on these unique entertainment traits of Lankan spectators with particular reference to the papara bands which speaks of the cheerful nature of our population - all of which has put the country in favourable light. Sadly such features won’t be evident this time around.

The IGP should realize that more than the cricketing aspect the world cup presents an ideal opportunity to showcase Sri Lanka in all its aspects following the end to the three-decade war. This includes the unique culture of Lanka’s sporting public at sporting events. What better advertisement than showing bands of Lankans lustily enjoying themselves to the sounds drums and trumpets at a major sporting event watched by millions the world over? What a way to boost tourism? Hence the event should be considered from a wider aspect. Besides why ban these harmless music instruments only now when the security threat is no more?

True, some of the items such as firecrackers, sharp tools and even glass bottles merit a ban. But the IGP’s decision to prohibit musical instruments, banners and placards essentially robs the event of its lifeblood - entertainment - particularly the ubiquitous papara band that is a standard fixture at match venues. So, while the rest of world cup venues in India and Bangladesh would be sporting banners and placards with interesting wisecracks and puns on cricketers, TV viewers the world over will see only glum faced Lankan spectators who are even denied the pleasure of bringing a piece of cardboard to a match venue to express their pithy views.

The IGP owes an explanation to the cricketing public as to the basis for this ridiculous edict. Here we are staging a world cup a once in a lifetime opportunity to show the world the unique features of the Lankan cricketing culture. Is the IGP expecting the spectators to simply glare at the proceedings zombie like without being part and parcel of the action? Certainly the public are not purchasing tickets - some priced at Rs 3,000 each - to merely be part of the scenery? They would like to cheer their team with gusto and be part of the action.

Lankan spectators are known for their active participation and to deny this would be taking the spirit out of the whole affair. They are not just content at clapping and screaming to egg on our boys but also by keeping the tempo lively, making them an integral part of the proceedings.

Spectators in different countries have their own way of cheering their teams. The British are known for their famous barmy army cheer squad who follow their team to all venues in the world. Those in South Africa and the Caribbean are known for their noisy drumbeats and lively calypso music at match venues adding colour and cheer to the atmosphere.

As mentioned we too have our unique way and the papara bands have proved to be a big hit even with foreign visitors who are often seen dancing and jiving along with the local spectators at match venues.

The IGPs edict sadly will throw cold water to this spirit of entertainment which is what a sporting event is all about. Rob this spirit of entertainment and what we have is a dull event shorn off its glitz and glamour. Sadly it won’t be cricket lovely cricket in Sri Lanka this time around with the killjoy methods adopted by our Police chief.