TVK slams DMK for banning whistles at Chennai’s Chepauk Stadium during T20 World Cup; calls it political fear

CHENNAI: Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) on Sunday accused DMK govt of deliberately preventing cricket fans from carrying whistles—the party’s election symbol—into Chepauk Stadium during an international match.

New Zealand played Afghanistan in its opening 2026 T20 World Cup fixture at the stadium, where security personnel and police at select entry gates stopped spectators from bringing whistles into the venue.


“For so many years, the sound of whistles echoed loudly at Chepauk Stadium. There were even songs made around whistles. But after TVK got whistle symbol, they are (DMK) scared,” said TVK deputy general secretary Raj Mohan in Coimbatore. “At this rate, even traffic police and bus conductors could be barred from using whistles,’’ he said.


TVK National spokesperson Felix Gerald criticised the Tamil Nadu Police decision to restrict whistles at Chennai’s Chepauk Stadium.

"Whistle is an integral part of Chennai cricket culture..It shows how the DMK is politically insecure, and they are misusing their power. They cannot suppress the political will of the people of Tamil Nadu who want significant change," Felix Gerald said.

The Tamil Nadu Cricket Association said it did not impose any such restriction. Greater Chennai Police officials were not available for comment.