Orisports Team 15-Mar-2010 112
The arrival of Deccan Chargers here on today for their two important matches of the Indian Premier League at Barabati Stadium Cuttack marked both sweet and sour happenings with team captain Adam Gilchrist celebrating his 1,000 runs in IPL and a clash between activists of political party Kalinga Sena and the Commissionerate Police.
Gilchrist was greeted with a sweet surprise at Hotel Mayfair Lagoon placed a cake before him to celebrate his 1,000 runs in the IPL. The former Aussie stumper obliged in the presence of his teammates.
The Hyderabad franchisee, who have adopted Barabati Stadium, Cuttack as one of their home venues, are scheduled to play the two matches there against Kings XI Punjab and Delhi Daredevils on March 19 and 21 respectively. Defending champions, who overcame a losing start by defeating Chennai Super Kings on Sunday, would start their practice sessions at Barabati tomorrow.
Despite tight security, the arrival of the Gilchrist and his teammates witnessed trouble as the activists of Kalinga Sena, a political outfit, clashed with police near the Biju Patnaik Airport here. The clash occured when Sena activists, opposing the involvement of Australian players and cheer girls in the IPL, tried to enter the airport.
Police resorted to lathi charge to chase them away. The Deccan Chargers team, however, was unaffected by trouble and the police escorted the players safely to the hotel. According to police, around 30 activists have been arrested and a case has been registered against them.
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PHOTOS:
TOP: Deccan Chargers captain Adam Gilchrist celebrates his 1,000 runs in IPL on his arrival in Bhubaneswar on March 15, 2010.
BOTTOM: Police chase away Kalinga Sena activists on the occasion of the arrival of Deccan Chargers team in Bhubaneswar on March 15, 2010.
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