March 7: History has played a major role in the naming of famous clubs and sporting teams across the world. But for the first time an IPL team is attempting to create history by allowing the public to decide on its name. Following protests from fans on Facebook and Twitter over the proposed name Indi Commandos, the Kochi IPL team on Monday decided to conduct a contest on its official website inviting fans to suggest a more acceptable name.
The website posted a link asking fans to cast their votes from a choice of six names. Fans can choose either Kerala or Kochi as the first name. The proposedsecond names include Titans, Commandos, Tigers, Tuskers, Heroes and United.
Interestingly, Indi Commandos and Tigers proposed by team coach Geoff Lawson are also on the list. The post read, “All you cricket crazy fans, here’s a once in a lifetime opportunity for you guys to shape the IPL team from Kerala & suggest a name for your favorite team. Just go to http://www.kochiteam.com/votenow.php [1] & show us your passion, express your creativity.”
For the first time after its launch, the Facebook page of the Kochi team has come alive with fans suggesting names and offering support for the team. Once the administrator of the fan page started to respond to queries, doubts over the ambassador and logo started flooding in.
Pratheek John posted, “Great to see the admin replying to posts. Come on lets make this page too active like the other IPL teams. We have nothing against you. Once the name and logo are changed we will all support the team together.” Dlink Spot commented: “Thanx admin and owners :). We all are eager to support the team.” To which the administrator responded: “Together we can make this team IPL rockstars!” The poll is open till 12 noon on Tuesday.
Links:
[1] http://www.kochiteam.com/votenow.php