Chennai Super Kings have appealed to fans attending their upcoming Indian Premier League clash against Lucknow Super Giants at the MA Chidambaram Stadium to avoid carrying political banners, flags or hoardings into the stadium.
Ahead of Saturday’s fixture at Chepauk, the franchise shared a message on social media requesting supporters to keep the focus on cricket and preserve the festive atmosphere traditionally associated with the venue.
“Come celebrate cricket and the spirit of the game with us. Anbuden request our superfans to avoid bringing banners, flags or hoardings associated with any political party/person and enjoy the game with full yellove,” CSK posted on social media.
The advisory comes shortly after actor-turned-politician Vijay was named the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu following the electoral success of his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), which formed the state government after extensive political negotiations. Vijay is scheduled to officially take oath as Chief Minister on Sunday, May 10.
This is not the first time political symbolism has become a talking point at Chepauk during a major cricket event. Earlier this year, during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, controversy erupted after fans reportedly faced restrictions on carrying whistles into the stadium.
The whistle is not only the election symbol of TVK but is also deeply linked with CSK’s fan culture through the franchise’s iconic “Whistle Podu” slogan. Reports at the time claimed that police personnel had stopped spectators from bringing whistles into the venue and warned local vendors against selling them outside the stadium.
