More than happy to cover up, say cheerleaders

MUMBAI: The Indian Premier League cheerleaders are set for a makeover and are planning to "cover up" following the furore their skimpy outfits created among the country's politicians.
The cheerleaders, dubbed by the politicians as too "wild" for the families who come to watch the IPL matches, have decided to change their clothes for the jigs that mark sixes and boundaries during the matches.
"We don't want to offend anybody. I think it's a small minority view (about them being too wild). But we will take it on board and address what we are wearing. So we have got a new costume to show off," said the head of Deccan Chargers' cheerleading squad.
Another cheerleader said the fans have been appreciative of their work so far and she was a bit surprised at their clothes becoming headlines in the country.
"We didn't expect to be on front page of the papers here," quipped one cheerleader.
"The fans seem to really enjoy our act but I am fine with the changes in our clothes. We will wear what our management tells us to wear. If they want us to be covered up, we are more than happy to do that," said another.
Asked whether they have faced any snide remarks while performing, a cheerleader said there have been a few incidents but brushed them aside as occupational hazards.
"The crowds have been good to us but there are always an odd person who may react in a different way. But India has been like just another country in this world," said a girl.
Every IPL team has a cheerleading squad and most of them have been brought in from abroad.