Mass euphoria outside Eden Gardens, SRK's arrival delayed

Kolkata – There was mass euphoria outside the Eden Gardens Tuesday as thousands of Kolkata Knight Riders' fans queued up here for the team's felicitation on winning IPL-7, even as the team owner, superstar Shahrukh Khan, tweeted his delayed arrival.

Amid heightened security, followers of the home team thronged the arena since Tuesday morning where a grand reception is scheduled at 1 p.m. It is a double bonanza for those who are ardent fans of both SRK and KKR.

The hour-long programme - to be jointly organised by the state government, Kolkata Police, Kolkata Municipal Corporation and the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) - would be attended by a number of state ministers, former cricketers and other sports personalities and cultural icons from the state.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Monday altered an important tour schedule to attend the occasion.

The state government is hoping for a full house at the historic ground where entry would be free. Fans wishing to watch the gala lined-up outside police stations to collect passes. Many broke through the barricades to grab an early entry into the stadium.

Meanwhile, SRK, took to twitter to inform of his progress.

"Sorry Kolkata technical snag on flight. Will be a bit late but will be there. Apologies. Kolkata bound. Delay in flight but will make ita.Insha Allah nothing can stop us now," he said.

Team co-owner and former Bollywood diva Juhi Chawla arrived with KKR skipper Gautam Gambhir, Yousuf Pathan, Piyush Chawla and some other players by a Monday evening flight to a rousing welcome.