Joining the raging debate on the introduction of cheerleaders by the Indian Premier League in its cricket matches, former sprint queen P T Usha said that skimpily clad cheer girls should strictly comply with the Indian culture and the onus is on the Board of Cricket Control of India to ensure that the performances by the dancing beauties should not cross limits.
"Cricket has come to take centrestage among all sports in the country today and it is therefore no surprise that the organisers are romping in added attractions, to cheer the crowd, in a bid to pay value for their money," she said.
Even as the controversy over allowing skimpily-clad cheerleaders in IPL matches continues to rage across the country, the former Olympian feels it is time that the Cricket board lays down a strict code of conduct for the show.
"Ours is a country with diversified culture and centuries-old tradition, which have to be preserved at any cost," Usha said, adding that the US-style cheergirls will have to come under scanner for any obscenity during every match.
"Of course, times are fast changing and we also have to adapt to them but it does not mean that we can afford any kind of vulgar display," the former sprint queen said.
With Maharashtra and West Bengal setting the tone by raising stiff opposition to any form of vulgar shows, she said the onus is on the BCCI to convince the people that the dancing beauties will not throw up obscene performances.
"Our actions, behaviour, speech and for that matter anything that we do should strictly comply with our culture," Usha said.
Stating that there is nothing wrong in inviting cheerleaders to sports events to activate the crowd, she said such performances would not be acceptable to the general public if their style of dressing did not adhere to a common dress code.
"`Again, it is for the BCCI to decide on the dress code in keeping with our culture and that will make matters simple and generally acceptable," she said.
Asked if unlike other international sports like soccer or athletics, if cricket is losing its charm due to other `interferences' like the dance show, the 'Payyoli Express' said, "All I can say is that we cannot shut our eyes to Western culture if that is not going to suit ours'.
"Let the concerned authorities ascertain if such shows will be acceptable during any public gathering or places of worship where too dance shows are arranged as part of celebrations", Usha said.
"Will our people accept such dance shows at public functions or places of worship?", she asked.
