IPL 2020 to have pre-recorded cheers, fans' reactions to boost players' spirit

IPL 2020 is all set to begin in the UAE on September 19 with Chennai Super Kings facing defending champions Mumbai Indians in the opener. Amid the coronavirus pandemic, fans are unlikely to be allowed to watch the matches from the stadium. Team India and RCB captain Virat Kohli had said that players will need a few matches to get used to playing without crowd.

In an interview with RCB, Kohli added that he hasn’t experienced the echo of the ball hitting the bat since he played Ranji Trophy back in 2010. He also said that he hasn’t played a match with the crowd in 10 years. Kings XI Punjab fast bowler Mohammed Shami had said that the players will miss the fans and that cannot be ignored. He further said that the players will look to use this opportunity to divert the mind of the fans and give them joy.

When Premier League and other football leagues around Europe and the world resumed, fake crowd noises were used to boost the morale of the players. As per the latest reports, all the eight franchises in the IPL 2020 have decided to pre-record reactions of cheerleaders and fans which they will play out during the matches.

An IPL 2020 official said that the stadiums will be empty as everyone is looking to ensure that health protocols and bio-bubble regulations are strictly followed.

“So, it was decided that while some teams will record the reactions of cheerleaders, which will be played out for every four, six or wicket, other teams have decided to create small videos of fans cheering for them and those will be played out while the cricketers are battling it out in the middle,” the official explained as quoted by Business World.

It will work both ways: IPL official

The official further said that it will actually work both ways. “While fans will feel they are getting to be a part of the action in their own little way, players will know that they are being closely followed by their fans even though they are not present live in the stadium. There is nothing more special for cricketers than to see fans cheer them on and motivate them,” he stated.