PTI

Kolkata, Apr 28: While politicians see red in cheerleaders performing during IPL matches, film personalities in Bengal have gone one step further dubbing the whole exercise as anything but cricket with one of them calling it ''disgusting and farcical''.

Veteran filmmaker Mrinal Sen sounded upset over the concept of bringing in cheerleaders to liven up proceedings on the fields when asked if it was at all needed in the present age of globalisation.

''I don't understand all this. I love to watch cricket,'' Sen said.

He bristled at the suggestion of the cheerleaders' contribution to a bigger turnout and helping the game's cause, saying, ''I have told you I only love to watch games on a field. Beyond that I don't understand anything on a field.''

Striking a balance between commerce and cricket, another doyen Tapan Sinha said while the commercial aspect of IPL had to be kept in mind by the organisers, nothing should be done
to hurt the culture and sentiments of the Indian public.

''You cannot wish away the fact that the organisers have devised the IPL format keeping its commercial and entertainment potential in mind irrespective of the fact whether it is liked by the game's lovers or not.''

However, one has to draw a line. The show should not cause discomfiture to the audience, Sinha, who has been ailing for quite sometime, reasoned.