Desi cheergirls fail to score a hit

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A few years back when IPL started, the promotional focus was on re-introducing cricket with a twist of glam. From Bollywood actors to sexy cheergirls — Indian audience had a lot more to watch in the T20 version of this game, than the one-dayers and Tests.

But over the IPL seasons, the cheergirls’ costumes are being tweaked to cater to the traditional Indian audience and appease the moral police. In the sixth edition of IPL, one can see the fully clad cheerleaders trying hard to up the glam quotient in costumes that are an awkward blend of desi and western, staid and sexy. But are the viewers happy with this change? We find out.
Saurabh Trivedi, a media professional and avid cricket fan says, “Not that I used to ogle at the cheerleader outfits during the match, but I did notice cheergirls in saris and pyjamas which looked quite odd. Even though they are just for adding glam element, they should look attractive and not uncomfortable. When Indian cheerleaders dressed in Bharatnatyam, Kathak and Kuchipudi costumes appear on the screen, the glam element goes missing.”
The cheerleaders’ outfits are extremely shoddy and hilarious, feels designer Aniket Satam. He says, “The whole idea of Indianisation of the concept has miserably failed. The classic All American styled in studio pompom dancers look cleaner, cheeky and fun. In terms of colours, sticking to the colour blocking always works best against neutral. If I had to recreate the costumes I would style it simple in bold racer-back tops with neon accents. Or perhaps go with graphic lines teamed over classic box pleat skirt and knee-length socks with high ponytails and glistening pompoms.”
Many young IPL fans also feel that covering the cheergirls from top to bottom appears strange, as the professional cheergirls look visibly uncomfortable while performing their routines during the match. Amin Khan, an IT professional and cricket fan, says, “This season of IPL the outfits of cheergirls are more sober as compared to the past seasons. The organisers faced a lot of criticism about the short hemlines of the cheergirls so this time they are careful. According to me the foremost important thing that a cheerleader costume should have is glam quotient but with a blend of modesty.”
However, designer Mrunal Yangad begs to differ and opines that IPL 2013 cheerleaders outfits are still better than last season where the girls were sporting lehengas and lousy pants in bright red and blue. She adds, “The huge pompoms and a tiny skirt or shorts are a must for a cheerleader costume. Though Indian version of cheerleaders at IPL is not so ideal, it is still fun to watch. Personally, I would like to see fit cheergirls in short leotards or 3-4 layered toot skirts with comfortable ballerinas.”