Highlights
- India take on New Zealand in the first ICC World Test Championship final at Southampton
- Bharat Army, a global community of Indian cricket fans, will support Team India
- Spectators limited to 4,000; the rain may interrupt the first two days of play
Fans of the Indian and New Zealand cricket teams across the globe are eagerly waiting to cheer on their teams for the much-awaited contest scheduled to begin in Southampton later today.
Bharat Army, Team India’s global support group, is all geared up to cheer the team as they battle it out against New Zealand in the first-ever ICC World Test Championship.
Talking to SBS Gujarati from the UK, Rakesh Patel, founder and CEO of Bharat Army said, “we are keenly looking forward to cheering the Indian team when they take on New Zealand in the final clash.”
Spectators limited to 4,000
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions in the UK, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has permitted only 4,000 spectators to watch the historic final at The Ageas Bowl in Southampton, which is only 25 per cent of its total capacity.
Preparing since two months
Members of Bharat Army cheering the Indian cricket team. Source: Supplied by Rakesh Patel
Mr Patel said that the Bharat Army began preparing for the final as soon as India confirmed their berth in it. With the ICC’s approval, Bharat Army helps supporters of the Indian cricket team secure tickets and travel arrangements.
“We have secured tickets for nearly 25 per cent of the number of permitted spectators. This means approximately, 1,000 Bharat Army members will cheer the Team India from the stadium”, he said.
The ICC also shared a video of the Bharat Army on their Twitter account, in which they can be seen getting ready to witness the historic match.
Dhol, colours, India
“Our colourfully dressed fans, unique songs and music will create an electrifying atmosphere at The Ageas Bowl. Just like we have turned up at every match wherever the Indian cricket team has played since the last 20 years, this time too, we will try to provide the best experience to other supporters.
“Our drummers and singers will perform outside the stadium for those who cannot watch the match. They can watch us cheer the team on our social media channels,” Mr Patel told SBS Gujarati.
Bharat Army says they will not support any specific player but will rather cheer the team throughout the match, no matter what the situation.
Rain may spoil the show
A file photo of The Ageas Bowl, where rain is expected to disrupt play during the Test match. Source: MIKE HEWITT/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
The weather forecast for Southampton predicts some rain on all five days of the match. According to Accuweather, there are 61 per cent chances of rain on the first day of the Test. From Day 2, things are likely to get better even though the weather might be cloudy. There are high chances that rain may spoil the show.
Hence, the ICC has announced 23 June as a reserved day if any day’s play is washed out due to the rain.
Time to avenge the 2019 World Cup 2019 loss?
The last time the Virat Kohli-led Indian cricket team played against New Zealand in an ICC tournament was in the 2019 Cricket World Cup semi-final, where India, the favourites for the tournament, lost the match.
The loss shocked millions of fans across the world.
Recalling that match, Mr Patel said, “we cheered the team throughout the 2019 World Cup and were hopeful of winning the tournament but India lost.”
“It broke our hearts, but this time we (the Indian team) are playing against the same opponent and have good chances to win the inaugural ICC World Test Championship”, he added.
Indian cricketers greet each other after losing the 2019 World Cup semifinal to New Zealand at Old Trafford in Manchester. Source: AAP Image/AP Photo/Rui Vieira
Fans in Australia join the party
The Australia head of Bharat Army, Kunal Gandhi told SBS Gujarati, “our group is planning to watch the final together and many of us have taken the day off.”
“Although we could not go to the UK due to travel restrictions, we will watch the match in Sydney on a big screen and support Team India,” he concluded.
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