Confessions of a Cheerleader

“Cheerleaders are still new to the Indian public… our moves have been toned down for the Indian audience”

Some people look at cheerleaders as sex objects who want to have intimate relations with the stars. I have been a cheerleader for over two decades and I can tell you this is a flawed perception. We follow a strict protocol that prohibits close interaction with players.

There are, however, cases when cheerleaders and the players get involved. Those rules are there for a reason. But a lot of us are in it for the sports and the dancing. Cheerleading demands athleticism. There is more to it than is depicted in popular culture. 

The Champions League is my second cricket event. Earlier, I performed at the Indian Premier League in South Africa. So far, I have been at two venues—Bangalore and New Delhi. They offer contrasting experiences. The Bangalore stadium has tall tiers. In Delhi, we are closer to the stands. Sometimes, the proximity is not pleasant. Cheerleaders are still a new concept to the Indian public, and there are occasions when they get a bit too excited. In fact, our dance moves have been toned down for the Indian audience. But we are trained to handle unwarranted attention. We ignore it and go about our duty in a professional way.

No, I am not going to tell you which cricketers I find handsome. But my favourite Indian player is Anil Kumble, because he is a role model. I’m told Tendulkar [has to be helped with the name] is an amazing player and a real icon. I have seen him play but have not met him yet. One day, I hope to.

I have been a cheerleader for American sports. I’m not that familiar with cricket, but I don’t find it boring. In fact, I have actually learnt a bit about it. I can vaguely say what is going on at any stage during a match. Compared to American football or baseball, cheerleading in cricket is more draining. Fours and sixes happen more frequently than a touchdown or a home run. So we have to be sharp. We practise on off days. On match days, we arrive ahead of time and ensure that our movements are synchronised.

There have been events and parties where we have mingled with the players. Then, we go our own ways. So far, a player hasn’t asked me out.

(The cheerleader is a member of the White Mischief Gals currently performing at the Champions League T20 tournament)

As told to Akshay Sawai

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arindam