Giant screens across Kolkata for IPL's top draw

Kolkata, May 2 (IANS) With all tickets for Saturday's game between Kolkata Knight Riders and Pune Warriors India sold out, plans are afoot to install 12 giant screens across the city so that enthusiasts can watch the action live even when on the move.

The giant screens would be put up by the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) around the venue Eden Gardens and other parts of Kolkata and even in neighbouring districts for fans who have missed out on tickets for what is turning out to be one of most keenly awaited game in the Indian Premier League's history.

With Kolkata's favourite local boy Sourav Ganguly leading the Warriors, match fever has reached a peak.

"At home you have your television. But what about those who will be out on the roads for various reasons? As the local cricketing body we want them to savour the flavour of the match while on the move," CAB joint secretary Biswarup Dey told IANS.

Dey said six of the screens would be installed around the Eden Gardens, after discussions with police and the IPL and Kolkata Knight Riders authorities. KKR are the local organisers of the game, with the CAB acting as the facilitator.

The other screens are likely to come up at important intersections like Gariahat, Sealdah, College Street, Kankurgachi, Salt Lake and even in the neighbouring Howrah district.

"We have already discussed the matter verbally with the police. We will now send them a formal letter for permission. I don't think they will have any objections to installation of giant screens in other parts of the city.

"Regarding those we are planning to install in the vicinity of the stadium, we have to ascertain how far from the venue they want those to be put up," he said.

If the giant screens come through, it will be a first for IPL.

"But then no other game in the tournament's history has aroused such raw passion," Dey said.

With passions running high, security has been beefed up for the match.

"There will be more policemen, tighter security for the players and spectators in and around the stadium to ensure there is no untoward incidents," he said.