IPL 2014: Carnival fiesta grips Bangalore for final

Preity Zinta

Bangalore, June 1 (IANS) Billed as one of the most exciting sporting events, the Indian Premier League (IPL) final turned into a carnival at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium here on Sunday as Kolkata Knight Riders took on Kings XI Punjab much to the delight of the frenzied fans.

With clouds and rain gods keeping away, about 40,000 die-hard fans packed the stadium for a cracker of a contest.

In line with its tradition, the glittering trophy was displayed at the pavilion end flanked by both the teams along with local boys and girls as the National Anthem was rendered.

"It's thrilling to be here as the IPL final is being played in Bangalore for the first time. It's a fun time as there is more entertainment, colour and noise than a serious game of bat and ball in the middle," management trainee Sunita Kumari said as the match got underway.

It was a big night for Bollywood stars Shah Rukh Khan and Preity Zinta as both are co-owners of the Knight Riders and Kings XI, respectively. A bespectacled Khan was seen with his daughter Suhana in the front row of the pavilion while Zinta was at ground zero with the team's support staff.

As the Knight Riders opted to field, Khan watched the game keenly, tracking every ball and looked tense on occasions when Kings XI batters Manan Vohra and Wriddhiman Saha ripped his bowlers apart.

In contrast, Zinta was all fun and frolic, cheering at almost every ball being hit either for a four or six or smart running between the wickets.

Former India football captain Bhaichung Bhutia was also seen in the pavilion waving and greeting fans when he was noticed on the giant screen as cameras zoomed on him.

Being an IPL final and a Sunday, besides senior Board of Control for Cricket for India (BCCI) officials, including interim president Sunil Gavaskar and IPL chairman Ranjib Biswal, scores of former cricketers and present players were in the VIP stands with families.