T20 World Cup: ‘Whistle Podu’ will no longer resonate in Chepauk! Ban on carrying whistle in New Zealand-Afghanistan match, know what is the political connection

Sports Desk, Chennai. With the beginning of Mahakumbh of T20 World Cup, the enthusiasm of cricket fans is at its peak. But Chennai’s M.A. A shocking decision has come to light before the match played between New Zealand and Afghanistan at Chidambaram Stadium (Chepauk). Citing security and law and order, Chennai Police has completely banned carrying and blowing whistles inside the stadium. In Chennai, the meaning of cricket is considered to be ‘Whistle Podu’, hence this order of the police has surprised thousands of fans. Election symbol became the reason for the ban? Actually, behind this ban, there are believed to be more political reasons than sports. Recently, the Election Commission has allotted ‘whistle’ as the official election symbol for the upcoming Tamil Nadu assembly elections to actor Vijay’s new party Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK). The administration fears that whistling by thousands of spectators during the match could be seen as political propaganda or a show of strength, which could affect the election code of conduct and law and order. This is the reason why the police has put it in the list of banned items. Fans are angry, debate broke out on social media. Fans are very upset with the ban on whistle in Chepauk. Whistling is a tradition for fans of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and ‘Thala’ Mahendra Singh Dhoni. A user on social media platform Party spokesperson Felix Gerald said, “Whistling in sports around the world is a symbol of enthusiasm. Is whistling an illegal thing? Actually, whistle is used to stop foul play, but here the government itself is playing foul.” TNCA brushes off, police’s decision Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) has clarified its position on this entire controversy. The association said that the decision to ban whistling in the stadium is not theirs, but entirely that of the Chennai Police. Chepauk management also clarified that this ban has nothing to do with the rules of International Cricket Council (ICC) or BCCI. Usually, things like bottles, power banks and umbrellas are banned in the stadium, but due to political reasons, this ban on whistle has become one of the most unique decisions in the history of cricket.