PANAJI
Once known as a football-crazy State, the passion for the beautiful game has really gone down in Goa over the last few years. The declining attendance figures during ISL, I-League or international football matches in Goa in recent times are a testament to this.
On the other hand, the popularity of cricket, especially the IPL, is on the rise in the tiny state. The IPL has its own fan following, especially among the younger generation.
During IPL time in the months of April and May, people from all across Goa are seen glued to cricket, either on television, mobile or in pubs and restaurants.
Even though only a few Goan players have played in the IPL over the seasons, the two months of the IPL see cricket fever in Goa at an all-time high. The Goan crowd can be seen cheering for their favourite teams/players with tremendous passion and zeal.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Mumbai Indians (MI), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are the favourite teams of Goan youth, with Virat Kohli and Mahendra Singh Dhoni being their favourite players.
"Every year we eagerly wait for the IPL to begin. The two months of the IPL are a fun time for us. I try to watch each and every game in the IPL either on television or mobile," says Kalpesh Arolkar, a marketing professional from Ponda, who has been following the IPL for more than a decade, with Mumbai Indians being his favourite team.
Another IPL fan, Suraj Naik from Mapusa, says, “We hang out at pubs during IPL matches and enjoy the game with our friends. It’s quite a delight to watch the matches on a big screen along with the crowd. It’s a relaxed and fun-filled atmosphere out here, something which you cannot experience sitting at home."
“I am a huge Virat fan and RCB is my all-time favourite team. I just enjoy watching the IPL matches,” says Manisha Kamat from Panaji.
“I watch the IPL for the fun of it. The timings are convenient and it helps me to cheer my favourite team and player,” says Dhiraj Shirodkar, a young IT professional from Margao, adding that Chennai Super Kings is his favourite team since he is a die-hard fan of Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
But Goan youth do miss Goan players in the IPL. Suyash Prabhudesai was the last cricketer from Goa to have played in the IPL; that was two years ago, in 2024.
“We really miss Goan players in the IPL. It’s sad to see that very few Goan players have been selected to play in this league,” says Viraj Kenkre from Vasco.
There is no doubt that the IPL has become a global brand, with many foreign players playing in this prestigious T20 league. The foreign crowds who visit the pubs are mostly seen cheering their local countrymen.
Cashing in on the IPL mania, some pubs and restaurants have installed big screens and sound systems for IPL matches and are offering discounts on food and drinks.
With nightlife and dining fast picking up to become a part of Goan culture, the IPL frenzy definitely adds to the excitement. With decent earning and spending capabilities, Goans do not mind spending those extra bucks to get a feel of the IPL since Goa is not hosting any of the IPL matches.
