Kolkata: As cricket fever gripped Kolkata ahead of the T20 World Cup final between India and New Zealand in Ahmedabad on Sunday evening, the fans have started making elaborate plans to watch the match together. From housing complexes and neighbourhood clubs to malls, restaurants and lounges, plans were afoot to set up large screens and create a stadium-like “vibe” with music and dhols.Several complexes have planned community screenings so that residents could come together to enjoy the match. At Executive Palace on VIP Road in Baguiati, preparations were underway to recreate a stadium-like atmosphere for residents. A giant screen will broadcast the match, while music, dhol beats and fireworks were planned to add to the excitement. “It is not just about a cricket match but about the collective heartbeat of a nation,” said Ankit Agarwal, secretary of the Executive Palace residents’ association.“As we gear up for the final, our goal is to transcend the traditional viewing experience. We will recreate a stadium-like environment with dhol and the rhythm of the DJ,” Agarwal added.Malls across the city are also planning big-screen broadcasts of the match to draw in cricket fans on Sunday evening. Many expect footfalls to swell as families and groups of friends head out to watch the final together.Acropolis Mall will beam the match on a giant atrium screen and the food court screens to ensure fans do not miss a single moment. “Our fine-dining partners are also joining the celebration, keeping patrons glued to the action with live screenings,” said Subhadip Basu, corporate GM (retail & hospitality), Merlin Group. Princeton Club is transforming its banquet hall into an expansive dining space to host a live screening for members and guests.Several restaurants, bars and cafes will be screening the match on big screens and TVs offering special match-day deals to attract customers keen to soak in the excitement in a “stadium-like” setting. Chapter 2 is ready for a full house. It has introduced special cocktails christened Sixer, Square Cut, Hitwicket and Googly. It is also offering free starters with beer and has a 2:1 offer on select brands of liquor during the match.Songhai in central Kolkata will continue to offer a free drink for every Indian six. At Drunken Teddy, the venue has been recreated into a stadium with a giant screen, dhol beats and special offers for guests during the match. “We will be broadcasting the match on the big screen and expect a good turnout,” said a manager at LMNOQ Skybar.At homes across the city, families are planning to watch the match in big groups. Many organised get-togethers with friends and relatives, ordering in food and drinks so that everyone could focus on the game without interruptions. Some fans are even planning to dress up in the colours of the Indian team. Merchandise sales also picked up in the run-up to the final. “I expect a hell of a match like the semi-final, with both Kiwis and our boys fighting till the end,” said entrepreneur Mahesh Punjabi.Team India jerseys and flags at BC Roy Market in Esplanade were selling briskly as fans prepared to show their support. “I purchased a new Team India jersey on Friday evening while returning from work,” said Debayan Dutta, a bank staffer who lives in Chetla.
