Can’t Wait. Come 2010.’ Billboards splashed around laidback, sport-loving Cape Town have been gearing up residents for next year’s World Cup football for a while. But suddenly, an intrusion by people in blue and black, yellow and orange, purple and red, has thrown the silent wait out of gear. Parking has become a problem and hotels are overbooked as a city renowned for Table Mountain and a bustling waterfront is coming to terms with the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The Greenpoint Football Stadium has been abandoned temporarily, and Newlands is expecting serpentine queues at a time when offices are generally closed. On Saturday, the IPL will officially kick off, and for the population fed on teasers over the past week, the excitement is strangely unjustified for an Indian domestic event, especially with only a thin spread of South African cricketers sandwiched in the teams.

Inside the ground, there is work pending in the afternoon. A crew has just finished on the hoardings along the circumference and is busy erecting a big stage for the side performances, and eight small platforms for the cheerleaders. Some volunteers are busy replacing Cape Cobras cricket flags with the Indian tri-colour.

The show on Saturday is expected to be a blend of Indian and African culture. “These are called Zimbabwean drums, they sound better than western drums,” says Kenny, who is arranging the tall, cylindrical wooden pieces at the ground. “We play with our hands and sometimes with sticks, but let me tell you they give great music. I’m sure you will love the sound and forget about everything else,” he adds. A snow patrol, a laser show, and roller-skating theatrics will be some of the attractions, along with a ‘butterfly dance with music’ show.

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