Malinga wig a big hit in Navi Mumbai

Mumbai Indians were not playing, but Lasith Malinga was the flavour, at least outside the Dr DY Patil Stadium in Nerul during the Indian Premier League (IPL) match between Pune Warriors India and Kochi Tuskers Kerela on Wednesday.

As much as his bowling, Malinga's hair also draws a lot of attention. No wonder, the hawkers selling coloured wigs outside the stadium were marketing the product as 'Malinga Malinga... Malinga jaisa baal'.' The trick worked and the wigs sold like hot cakes.

The 45,000 capacity Dr DY Patil Stadium in Nerul was half-filled during the home game for Pune Warriors India who played Kochi Tuskers Kerala yesterday. But the television viewers, the cameras were mainly panning at the stands which were full. A smart strategy to increase the interests levels for the IPL, which is definitely failing to create a buzz.

The Nerul stadium is supposed to be the home ground of Pune Warriors India, but the crowd that turned up on Wednesday, cheered even for Kochi Tuskers Kerala. Every four or a six hit was applauded in similar passion as a fall of wicket. With the Nehru Stadium in Pune not ready, most the fans coming for the match are from Mumbai and Navi Mumbai.