Chandigarh witnesses celebrity arrivals for summit clash of Punjab De Sher with Mumbai Heroes on March 28, 2015 at cricket Stadium, Sector 16, Chandigarh.
Kulbir Singh Kalsi :The City beautiful is in for a treat as celebrities converge here to attend the initiation of the Punjab De Sher- the ninth team to join the Celebrity cricket league (CCL) two day ceremonies. Planeloads of celebrities of the stature of Sohail Khan, Bobby Deol, Suniel Shetty, Sonu Sood, Boney Kapoor, Reitesh Deshmukh, Irrfan Khan, Mika Singh and Daler Mehndi have arrived for the CCL challenge match between Punjab De Sher and Mumbai Heroes on Saturday.
At a press interaction with the team members of both teams, upon arrival of the two teams in Chandigarh, the focus was on the upcoming match on March 28, 2015. The world cup India defeat in the semi-final did not dampen the excitement and buzz in the air as all the panellists were full of anticipation of a great game ahead, that would continue the cricketing frenzy that has gripped the whole globe during the last month.
Expressing the love for the City Beautiful, all the celebrities present were fulsome in their praise for the beautiful environs of Chandigrah and the fact that they loved coming here. The Founder and Managing Director of CCL, Mr Vishnu Vardhan Induri was effusive in his welcome of the ninth team Punjab DE Sher. ‘The CCL is a platform that gives stars and celebrities the chance to meet with their fans on a wholly different level. The strength of CCL stems from the great support of the franchise owners and the genuine love that the stars have for the game’.
Elaborating further, Mr Puneet Singh, co owner of Punjab De Sher thanked everyone present and especially the Mumbai Heroes for the great support that had made this success possible. He congratulated the people of Punjab and Haryana on their own team and invited everyone very warmly for the match on March 28. Dwelling on the fact that ticket demand has been overwhelming, he also assured everyone that tickets would be available till 2.00 pm on Saturday at Cricket Stadium, Chandigarh.
The members of the media availed of the opportunity to ask questions about CCL, Mumbai Heroes and Punjab De Sher and the topics ranged far and wide. Mr Sohail Khan and Suneil Shetty who were visibly pleased said they were extremely happy to be playing in Chandigarh.
The mood at the press conference was quite congenial and light as the celebrities indulged in light banter. The challenge aspect of the match has taken on heavier overtones now as the Punjab De Sher is confident after their fresh triumph over the Media XI on March 25.
Speaking about India’s loss in the World Cup Semi Final, the guests expressed their dismay, but admitted that India’s campaign was focused and gave the entire country lots to cheer about. They expressed confidence that the match on Saturday between Mumbai Heroes and Punjab De Sher would be a chance to redeem India’s expectations.
The team captains were sure that their players were in full form and had been practising for days. They promised the crowds a wonderful event, full of colour, excitement and cricketing excitement.
Bobby Deol and Sonu Sood, the captains of the two teams were full of goodwill towards each other, but also brought out the competitive spirit that was driving both the teams. They stressed on the fact that games can never be won unless there is light hearted camaraderie and the spirit of healthy competition.
Suniel Shetty and Sohail Khan, who has also attended Punjab De Sher’s inaugural Press conference on March 13, were happy about the fact that they commitment they had made about Social cause tie up had been translated into reality by Team Punjab De Sher wherein they have tied up with Fortis as Social cause partners.
The panellists concluded by assuring everyone that the event the next day would be a day to remember that would usher in a new chapter in the annals of CCL. The team players went on for a practise session at the Cricket Stadium, Sector 16 Chandigarh