Cricket fever is all set to reach new heights as the much awaited Tata IPL Fan Park opens on Saturday at the Agri Expo ground, Chümoukedima, bringing the live thrill of the 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) to Nagaland for the first time.
Announcing the event at a press conference, secretary general, Nagaland Cricket Association (NCA), Hyunilo Anilo Khing, said that the introduction of the Fan Park marks a historic moment for the state, which has long awaited such an opportunity. He expressed gratitude to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and IPL leadership for sanctioning the Fan Park in the state.
He added that the Fan Park is being carried out in 50 centres across 23 states in India.
The Fan Park will run for two days, April 5 and 6, with three exciting matches lined up for screening.
Fans will witness Chennai Super Kings versus Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings versus Rajasthan Royals on April 5, followed by Sunrisers Hyderabad versus Gujarat Titans on April 6.
Khing informed that entry is free for all, with gates opening from 2:30 PM to 11:30 PM on Saturday, and 6:30 on wards on Sunday. He however informed that in compliance with the Supreme Court’s directive, all sound and music will be turned off after 10:00 p.m.
He later added that the event promises an electrifying stadium-like experience with a giant 32×18 ft central LED screen, flanked by two 16×8 ft side screens to ensure immersive viewing experience for fans from every angle.
He also added that the Fan Park is being billed as a cricket carnival, complete with a wide array of interactive and family-friendly attractions, including Kids Zone with a bouncy house and trampoline, VR Cricket experience in “Hit it Like a Pro”, 360-Degree Photo Booth, Fan Super Cheers contest measured on a cheer-o-meter, Face Painting stations to show team spirit, Bowling Challenges, agility games like Falling Bats, and The Perfect Shot, and the chance to pose with life-sized cutouts of IPL captains at the Dug Out zone.
He further added that every spectator would receive a coupon upon entry, with lucky draw prizes, including signed player jerseys up for grabs.
Khing noted that while football has traditionally been more popular in the state, he expressed hope that events such as the IPL Fan Park have the potential to foster deeper love for cricket among the people. He appealed all cricket enthusiasts to come and witness the new and unique way of enjoying the game together as a community.
Khing also thanked the state government and local authorities for extending necessary logistical and security support to ensure the event runs smoothly.
Meanwhile, when asked whether Nagaland could soon host an actual IPL match, Khing replied that while it would require significant logistical preparations, he added that the introduction of the Fan Park is a crucial first step in that direction. “This is just the beginning of bigger things to come,” he said.
Asked on the sudden announcement of the event, he replied that the announcement was meant to be a surprise for fans, further pointing that this protocol was being implemented across all Fan Park centres in the country.