New Delhi, April 15 : It was supposed to be a prelude to a cricketing extravaganza that has been marketed more vigorously than the next big-banner Bollywood release. The Delhi Daredevils had supposedly opened their gates to the city for a practice match between a Virender Sehwag XI and a Dinesh Karthik XI, and local cricket fans responded.

A sizeable crowd had gathered outside the Kotla — which was celebrating its 75th anniversary — by evening, waiting to gain entry into the newly floodlit stadium.

But not too many could get in.

As it turned out, only people with special invites from Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) more than a thousand — were allowed entry despite the serpentine queues spilling over to the main road. The association said they had made it very clear that only pass-holders would be allowed inside, but the adamant crowd said it wasn’t aware of any such restrictions.

The situation kept getting worse with every passing minute — arguments ensued and lathis flew —and then, in the middle of all the confusion, the blame game began.

The DDCA passed the buck on the Delhi Police, the cops in turn said they had been told by the association to not let anyone without passes in, and the franchise - badly in need for home support for a format where the loyalty factor may not come naturally - were searching for words to placate the masses.

No repeat, promise sponsors

“I know what has happened is bad enough, and I can assure you that this will not be repeated from April 19 when the Daredevils play their first match against Rajasthan Royals,” an official representing GMR group said. “Everything will be done in a organised manner once we come into the picture,” he pledged.

Naturally, the episode left a bad taste in the mouth and the team owners are now fearing they may have turned away a sizeable group of supporters for when play begins in an event where the minimum ticket is priced at a substantial Rs. 250.

If there was excitement outside, the scenario inside was very different. The Delhi Darevdevils, playing their second practice match, did nothing of note on the field as the players simply went through the motions.

Virender Sehwag XI did win the match by six wickets, thanks to a quick 56 by Rajat Bhatia, but it seemed coach Greg Shipperd was the only person who followed the entire proceedings with interest on a dull, dour, dramatically anti-climactic opening day at the Kotla.