Why are whistles not allowed at Chepauk Stadium for T20 World Cup 2026?
(Courtesy : Getty Images)
The Chepauk Stadium hosted the match between Afghanistan and New Zealand on Sunday (February 8).
The MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, also known as the Chepauk Stadium, is one of the venues for ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The stadium hosted the match 5 between Afghanistan and New Zealand on Sunday, February 8.
In the high-scoring clash, New Zealand outplayed Afghanistan by five wickets. The Rashid Khan & Co. posted a big total of 182/6 in the first innings. However, they failed to defend their total, with Tim Seifert (65) setting the platform for New Zealand’s victory with his half-century.
Although the Chepauk Stadium witnessed an encounter between two foreign nations, many Indian fans arrived at the venue to watch the encounter. However, they were not allowed to bring whistles inside the stadium and the restrictions surprised many fans.
The whistles are a core part of cricket culture in Chennai. During Indian Premier League (IPL) matches, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) popular slogan “Whistle Podu” is frequently played inside the stadium. Also, CSK fans also support their team during IPL games by blowing whistles from the stands.
Why are whistles banned at MA Chidambaram Stadium during T20 World Cup 2026?
Notably, Chennai police have enforced a ban on whistles inside Chepauk Stadium during T20 World Cup due to the upcoming State Elections in Tamil Nadu. The whistle is an official election symbol of Tamil Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) political party.
The Election Commission recently allotted the whistle symbol to TVK, which has been formed by Tollywood actor Vijay and is contesting elections for the first time.
The Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) clarified that the ban was not imposed by the stadium authorities and was a sole decision of the Chennai police. The Chepauk Stadium management also informed that the ban has no connection with the International Cricket Council (ICC) or the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Generally, items such as water bottles, power banks and umbrellas are restricted inside the stadiums for security reasons. However, whistles have been added to the prohibited list for the first time. This ban is only in place at MA Chidamabaram Stadium and not at the rest of the venues across India.
Why are whistles banned at Chepauk Stadium during T20 World Cup 2026?
The whistles have been banned at Chepauk Stadium during T20 World Cup by Chennai police due to the upcoming state elections in Tamil Nadu. The whistle is an official election symbol of Tamil Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) political party.
Who are the hosts of ICC T20 World Cup 2026?
India and Sri Lanka are the hosts of ICC T20 World Cup.
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Vikas Singh Derek is a core cricket-lover since childhood and has always followed the sport both in his personal and professional life. He started his school life by watching cricket at home with family. Later, he played cricket on the field at local clubs during college. After his Master's in Journalism from Mumbai, he followed his passion by covering cricket news across various digital media. Since 2015, he has been an aspiring sports journalist and cricket content writer with over 50K+ articles.