Spot fixing fails to dampen IPL fans' spirit

The spot fixing scandal in the Indian Premier League seems to have had little impact on the enthusiasm of cricket fans as there was a huge crowd in attendence for the eliminator between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals at the Ferozeshah Kotla here Wednesday.

A Delhi and District Cricket Association official told IANS that around 33,000 spectators enjoyed the game in the 45,000-capacity stadium.

"We are here just to enjoy good cricket. For us, it doesn't matter what controversies are going on off the field," said Akhil Harsh, who has been a regular at the Kotla this season.

The Qualifier I between Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians here Tuesday also witnessed a good turnout.

The sixth edition by IPL has been hit by controversies. Three Rajasthan Royals players - S. Sreesanth, Ajit Chandila and Ankeet Chavan - were arrested on spot fixing charges May 16.

Tuesday saw Sahara owned franchise Pune Warriors pulling out of the cash-rich league besides announcing that the group will not sponsor Indian cricket team after the current contract with the cricket board expires in December.