Politicians, Stars and Players Against Bikini Dance Cricket in Ipl

Outrage in India over the IPL Cheerleaderswho entertain the crowd with their dance and glamour throughout thematch. Cheerleaders are very common in Western countries. However, theyare being used in India, probably for the first time. BCCI hadintroduced cheerleaders in IPL matches to add more spice to the game.Even the famous Washington Redskins Cheerleaders were brought in toperform for Bangalore Royal Challengers. However, now BCCI finds itselfin a tight spot, after a widespread protest from various quarters.It could be recalled that Bangalore Royal Challengers skipper Rahul Dravidand other senior cricketers refused to walk on the ramp on thesecheerleaders in a recent ramp show. Dravid even termed it as "BikiniCricket". Among cricketers, Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi expresseddispleasure over the use of Cheerleaders in cricket. Kolkata KnightRiders owner Shahrukh Khan also spoke against the use of Cheerleaders.Even the Cheerleaders feel threatened by the aggressive crowd in India.Some of them complained lewd comments and insults from the spectators.Maharashtra Assembly witnessed a pandemonium over this issue.Opposition BJP, supported by other parties wanted a complete ban onCheerleaders in IPL matches, and even compared them to bar dancers.Maharashtra MoS Home admitted that use of Cheerleaders in publicmatches is a disturbing trend and should be banned. BJP leaderShatrughan Sinha too came out in open and demanded a ban onCheerleaders.While the BCCI has tried to put up a volt face and justify the inclusion ofCheerleaders in cricket, it may find it tough to continue with itsplan, if more people join the protest over the next few days. It looksimminent that BCCI may have to dump the Cheerleaders sooner or later.People go there to watch cricket, not bikini-clad girls, say critics.