With Knights out, Eden low on cheer quotient

The absence of home team Kolkata Knight Riders, wet weather and perhaps the spot fixing scandal played a part as the otherwise boisterous Eden Gardens was low on the "cheer quotient" for the second IPL qualifier between Mumbai Indians and the Rajasthan Royals Friday.

Despite a knock out game featuring two of the bigger teams, the iconic venue was half full with a Cricket Association of Bengal official putting the attendance approximately at 30,000 at the stadium which can house more than double the figure.

Despite the start of the game getting delayed due to rain, the stream of spectators entering the stadium was thin with a few of the stands bearing a deserted look.

While many gave the match a miss due to KKR's absence, some preferred not to witness a sport which has been rocked by fixing allegations with three cricketers including a Team India player behind bars for alleged complicity in the scam.

"I am a Kolkatan and big supporter of KKR. What's the use watching a game when my favourite team is not playing?" said Puja who gave the match a miss despite buying tickets for the game.

"Why should I waste my time watching a game which may later turn out to be fixed?" wondered another cricket lover displaying the anguish over crickets' latest indignity.