Fans garner signatures in support of Kings XI Punjab

They have constituted a group called Fans of Kings XI Punjab, consisting of students and people from all walks of life.

"We are running a signature campaign in different parts of Chandigarh since Monday and so far we have collected over 2,000 signatures and messages in support of KXIP. Today we will bring out a candle light march in support of our team," Amit Kumar, convenor of Fans of Kings XI Punjab, told IANS Wednesday.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had Oct 10 announced the scrapping of Rajasthan Royals and Kings XI Punjab from IPL for violating franchisee conditions, especially on ownership. The BCCI decision means both teams will not be able to play in IPL Season-4 next year.

But Kumar said: "We will send a copy of the signatures and messages, along with an appeal, to the BCCI through the PCA (Punjab Cricket Association) officials. We will also hold a meeting with M.P. Pandove (PCA secretary)."  "This team represents the states of Punjab, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Chandigarh. If the team is barred from playing in the IPL, cricket will suffer in this whole region." And many are signing up.

Anmol Sharma, a college student, said: "The unceremonious ouster of Kings XI Punjab from the IPL has disappointed all of us. We will always stand beside our team and will intensify our campaign in the coming days."

Aakriti Shukla, another fan, said: "Kings XI Punjab was also active in organising various other cricket tournaments and in the training of budding cricketers from this region. We want the authorities concerned to reconsider their decision and want KXIP to play in the next IPL season at any cost."  The KXIP franchise is jointly owned by industrialist Ness Wadia, his ex-girlfriend and Bollywood actress Preity Zinta and two other businessmen. The team has the likes of Yuvraj Singh, Brett Lee, Kumar Sangakkara and Irfan Pathan in its ranks.