Home and workplace
"Three of my colleagues are planning to take leave," says Aditya Sathe, laughing. "Such an amateur move. I'm going to play it smart—come to work and then spend the day watching the match." Instead of tackling client briefs, the 28-year-old media professional has decided that cheering on the Indian team would be "a much nobler use" of his time. He isn't quite sure his bosses will have the same opinion though, and hastily requests that his name be changed.
Sathe may well have underestimated his employers' love for the sport. As India and Australia square off in the World Cup's second semifinal today, corporate houses are joining in the celebration. From screening matches in the cafeteria to asking employees to tog out in Team India's colours, companies have decided to view the match as an opportunity for employee-bonding, rather than a day when half the office calls in sick.
"We have put (an ultra HD) TV in the middle of the office, which people may not have at home," said Harit Nagpal, MD and CEO, Tata Sky. At Godrej Industries, snacks have been organized to go with the screening.
Those who don't have such luxuries will bank on live internet streaming. "Staying at home isn't an option. We will stream the match on one of the computers," said Sana Aurora, who works with a financial firm in Santacruz.
Mondelez India (formerly Cadbury India) employees can head to a photo-booth to click keepsakes with fellow fans or, in the case of more ardent supporters, get the tricolour painted on their faces. "There will be chocolates and food flowing through the match." At the same time, companies maintain that employees are free to use leave days should they prefer to stay at home.
"The office has planned a screening," said Ritesh Gaind, assistant manager, Mahindra Rural Finance. "But for this, employees would definitely take the day off."
In the dealing rooms of broking houses too, at least one TV screen—usually tuned in to a business channel—will show the semifinal. Thankfully, a dealer said, there has not been much action in the market.
Hotels and eateries
Restaurants are cashing in on the season's special, with offers and live screenings. Andheri's Zouk Grill and Bar has rolled out deals on alcohol, breakfast and lunch. The restaurant has already received over 80 group bookings. At the Grand Hyatt, bartenders have designed a mocktail called 'Clean Bowled' in the spirit of the World Cup. The five-star hotel is offering a 50% discount on select alcoholic beverages during 'cricket hours'. Pop Tate's, which has five screens, too, is expecting a full house. "The crowd tends to be pretty high whenever there is a match. And this particular game is extra-special," said manager Arvind.
Unlucky citizens
For students though, it isn't all play due to the ongoing board exams. HSC students across the state are taking the online IT exam on Thursday. "My exam was scheduled for March 24, but did not occur due to a technical problem. It's now rescheduled for March 27. This means I can't forget about the exam and enjoy the match," said a student of an Andheri school. Similarly, over 50,000 students will appear for various SSC papers on Thursday.
Those like commerce student Akshay Bauva are trying to scope out the brighter side. "We have an exam from 8.30 am to 10.30 am and are going to miss the first innings, but will soon head for a restaurant nearby to catch the rest of the match," he said.
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