Thread by @anandrbatra

Thread on test match viewing experience in India, using our trip to Pune yesterday to watch India and South Africa play:

1) My family belongs to what marketers call the Sec A1 segment, besides being lovers of Test Cricket.
(Cont'd) @bhogleharsha @chinmaybhogle @NorthStandGang

2) We bought the most expensive tickets available on the ticketing platform, and started from Mumbai at 530am to make sure we reach Pune in time.
3) We were made to park our car 1.5KM away from the stadium in a dusty ground.
(Cont'd) @bhogleharsha @chinmaybhogle @NorthStandGang

4) When we reached the stadium, we weren't allowed to carry our binoculars or hand fan - archiac security laws.
5) My mother is diabetic and keeps a snack / water with her at all times - she wasn't allowed this privilege.
(Cont'd) @bhogleharsha @chinmaybhogle @NorthStandGang

6) We couldn't even buy a water bottle from the food outlet - apparently you can't carry them to your seat. But you can buy and carry sugary drink containers.
7) The roof of the stand (while looking fancy) doesn't provide adequate shade.
(Cont'd) @bhogleharsha @chinmaybhogle

8) I can only imagine the plight of those sitting in open stands.
9) My mother can't climb stairs and we had to spend 10 minutes convincing people to allow us to use the elevator.
(Cont'd) @bhogleharsha @chinmaybhogle @NorthStandGang

10) The staff was extremely rude and made us feel that they were doing is a favour by allowing us to watch. I won't even talk about the cleanliness etc

(Cont'd) @bhogleharsha @chinmaybhogle @NorthStandGang

^these are just a few of my observations. I have attended cricket and football games in England, Russia, Sri Lanka etc but I have never seen spectators being treated so badly like they are in India. Athithi not Devo Bhava, clearly!
@bhogleharsha @chinmaybhogle @NorthStandGang

Also, would love to understand the rationale of making school kids sit in the open sun.

Hi @sanjaymanjrekar would appreciate if you read this thread and help improve conditions for spectators at cricket grounds in India. All of the above + no umbrellas allowed.

Hi @cricketaakash @VVSLaxman281 would appreciate if you read this thread and help improve conditions for spectators at cricket grounds in India. All of the above + no umbrellas allowed.