They are the livewire of Twenty20 games, their short, vibrant dance steps accompanied by snappy music greets every boundary hit or a wicket taken. But even the cheer girls are feeling the neglect at this year's Champions League T20. There were three sets of cheer girls positioned outside the boundary at the MA Chidambaram stadium but there was no life in their steps with no fans to match their steps. Empty stands greeted New South Wales and Trinidad and Tobago as they played a thrilling tie on Wednesday.

The pom-pom waving group withered further in the high humidity, fanning themselves constantly and gulping water, and waiting for more spectators to trickle in for the home team Chennai Super Kings clash against Cape Cobras.

There has been little enthusiasm from cricket-weary Indian public for the tournament so far.