Cricket-crazy B'lureans take guard for WC semis

As India takes on Australia in the high-octane ICC World Cup semi-final in Sydney on Thursday, cricket buffs in Bengaluru say they will certainly watch the match, even if it meant bunking classes, faking sickness to skip work or putting off urgent matters.

Others are certain they will not have to do anything of that sort as their employers are ensuring they watch the game right at the workplace. Learning from past experience that fewer employees may turn up for work on days like this, some information technology companies are arranging for live telecast of the match on giant screens. At Infosys Technologies, for instance, these screens will be placed at such areas as the food court.

Still, there are many who prefer to watch the match in the comfort of their homes. But if reporting sick may not impress the boss, they have coined a new category of leave: Patriotism Leave.

A message being circulated on WhatsApp reads thus: “Leave Application: Dear Sir, Greetings! I don’t want to lie. My country needs me tomorrow. It’s time to display the patriotism by entire nation. I want to apply for the leave which I call as patriotism leave. It’s India vs Australia in world cup semi-final. My nation needs me. Kindly grant me the leave.”

Chorus support

Students at LISAA School of Design and CREO Valley School of Film and Television have kick-started a chorus support to cheer the Men in Blue. They have painted their faces in the tri-colour and organised a host of activities to support the Indian team.

Eateries and pubs have not only made arrangements for live screening of the match but will also give attractive offers during the game hours. For example, ‘Buy- one get-one’ free on drinks.