Amidst what might be the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic,
Came the fever we all were just waiting for!
This year we are going back to Mumbai in India,
Right through the year,
The IPL season is widely celebrated as the religion of most Indians,
Starting in Bengaluru,
13-14th February 2022 saw franchises making informed choices,
Some of the highest bids,
Some of the most shocking players going unsold,
Yet others getting to the franchise of their choice,
The IPL preparations began right from the auctions!
Mumbai, the city of dreams,
The city that never sleeps!
A neutral location this time saw the DY Patil, Wankhede and CCI's Brabourne Stadium host crowds back in the stands!
What a feeling it was to see cricket action back in full form,
Despite the pandemic,
Fans like you and me excitedly cheered their loudest for their favourite players,
Hoping to get an autograph,
Probably hoping to get spotted with that handmade banner,
Hoping to be spotted in a face painted logo of your favourite team?
Hoping to be spotted waving the team flag with so much pride in your eyes,
That's what dreams were made of,
The IPL just gets bigger and better!
I remember what it was like when I was match day ready,
I was the first one ready to leave (2 hours before the game),
I reached out for the tickets thrice before leaving the house,
Sunscreen, Cap, Sunglasses, Team Flag check,
The excitement was only building!
And as we reached CCI's Brabourne Stadium,
My eyes sparkling,
My heart racing,
I was probably living that dream,
I had by now thanked my sisters multiple times for joining me!
The match was all mixed emotions,
Upset at the loss of wickets,
Dancing and cheering at the boundaries and maximums!
A little bit of happy and sad,
Probably as though I was playing the match for that team!
I have been writing about the game,
Watching it all closely throughout the pandemic,
Well technically it was all my "work"
Until one day I realised,
Watching the IPL year after year,
This is my "fan girl moment"
And no, I don't miss writing about this beautiful game,
It's hardly possible to pen down what match days can make you feel!
-Ushma Shah
lovely
ReplyDeleteCricket 🏏 fan
ReplyDeleteForever! I love the sport :)
DeleteExcellent peice of work!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much
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