The clash between Karaikudi Kaalai and Kovai Kings went down to the wire the other day. And reporting the TNPL game from here was Herbert Chikafu, a young man from Zimbabwe.
Quite a few journalists were eager to know the purpose of his visit for this gala State event. “I enjoy watching cricket more importantly at this level because it gives you a true picture of the game in India unlike at the international level,” said Chikafu, who recently covered the T20 tri-series involving Australia and Pakistan at Harare.
Crowd turnout
“Everybody knows the IPL but not these kind of events that can actually bring in fresh and interesting talents for the State,” he added. He was surprised by the crowd turnout.
“I never expected it this big, but I understand it is because there are hardly any international matches here. “Travelling from Harare to India must have been long and tiring for Chikafu. “It was only for a day but now I am beginning to enjoy the thrillers that TNPL has to offer, like the State’s lovely people, the weather and, of course, the food served fresh on a banana leaf. It was as fresh as watching the game.”
“TNPL is a good product and what pleased me is that everything is in place. The atmosphere, the lightings, the cheer leaders and what not. Everything is on par with international standards,” he added. Chikafu never got to interact with the young cricketers though.
“I love to chat with them, especially the spinners because I am curious to know how they bowl under these tough, windy conditions.”
His next big dream is to come back for the IPL. “I would love to watch Dhoni, Jadeja and Bravo play. I have been seeing them from the first season on screen. What an amazing team CSK is,” he said.
