Pune IPL fans welcome team of their own

PUNE: It was a packed auditorium at a mall in the city on Sunday where an Indian Premier League (IPL) match was being screened. The moment the host announced that Pune had finally got its own IPL team, the crowd erupted in joy.

On Sunday, Sahara Adventure Sports Group bid a cool Rs 1,702 crore to bag Pune, which will be among the ten teams in the 2011 edition of the domestic Twenty20 league. Local cricket fans had to wait for four seasons to get an IPL team and could not contain their excitement.

“Every team has a regional flavour to it. This creates a close bond between the local outfit and fans — this is one of the charms of IPL. And now, we will have a team of our own, too, which will add to the attraction,” Tabrez shaikh a share trading consultant, gushed.

The state will now have two outfits, Pune and Mumbai Indians, Ranade said. “Earlier, we supported the Mumbai Indians. But from season four, there will be confusion as to whom to root for,” he added.

Deepti Dalvi, who was present at a city mall watching the IPL matches, said, “It is a great feeling to have your own city team. We were longing for this and it has finally taken shape — that too for a jaw-dropping price. I’m happy Pune hasn’t come cheap. However, I wonder how much of local talent will get a chance in this team.”

Sanket Joshi, a musician and sportsman, said that the introduction of the new teams will increase competition. “It is also good for new talent— more teams will mean greater opportunities for rising players.”

“I wonder what would they name the Pune team, I’m sure it will be after what the city is known for. I am also eager to know who the team icon would be and who will constitute the squad,” Moin sayyed, a college student, said.