Cricket has Raipur in a frenzy

The fascination for cricket, especially the domestic T20 league, has encouraged retired government employee Ram Shanker Sinha and his family to offer free accommodation to fans, who travel here for hosts Delhi Daredevils two matches. Sharad Deep reports.

The fascination for cricket, especially the domestic T20 league, has encouraged retired government employee Ram Shanker Sinha and his family to offer free accommodation to fans, who travel here for hosts Delhi Daredevils two matches.

Sinha, who has a six-room house, has received a request from a family in Kolkata, which will arrive to watch the DD-KKR match on May 1.

"I always wanted to see the stars live but never got a chance to do so. But the two matches here have given me the chance to fulfill my dream," said Sinha. "I won't be charging anything from my guests as I find myself as one of the hosts for such a big occasion."

Like Sinha, some villagers, including a few dhaba owners in Nawagaon, five-km from the stadium, have announced special offers.

"A two-day stay at Rs 2000, including breakfast and lunch for an individual. Over the next week, my dhaba will only be catering to those who come for the matches from outside Raipur," said Jagan Guru of Patna Wala Dhaba.

The district administration has made travel arrangements from different locations of the city to the stadium, which is 21km away from here.

Spectators will be charged Rs 25 for a bus ride from the railway station to the stadium.