Cheerleaders 'covered' after threat

Hyderabad, May 11 (IANS) The Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) threat to disrupt the DLF Indian Premier League (IPL) match here Sunday to protest the 'indecent' dresses of the cheerleaders forced the organisers to change the dress code minutes before the match.

The dress code was changed by the management of the Deccan Chargers before they clashed with Kolkatta Knight Riders at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.

The cheerleaders of Deccan Chargers and Knight Riders were seen with their bodies fully covered. Even the dancers and singers, who entertained the spectators before the start of the match, were fully covered.

The BJP had threatened to disrupt the match if the cheerleaders continue 'indecent' performances. The police made elaborate security arrangements at the stadium to prevent any incident.

Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) secretary Shivlal Yadav told IANS that an agreement was reached over the issue after BJP's state president Bandaru Dattatreya met him. The BJP leader demanded that the cheerleaders should wear proper dress. He said the present dress was 'against Indian culture'.

'I discussed the issue with the management of Deccan Chargers and they agreed to change the dress,' he said.

Deccan Chargers have brought a dozen cheerleaders from Australia. They performed during the eight matches the hosts have played so far, including three at home.

Pakistan's Shahid Afridi, who is playing for Deccan Chargers, had also raised an objection to the cheerleaders' performance during the matches saying it would distract the players.

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