On Sunday, Superstar Rajinikanth came out in support of protesters demanding a ban on Indian Premier League matches in Chennai. Rajinikanth said it was embarrassing to hold cricket matches at a time like this. He said the Chennai team ought to fight for the people. He said: "If not then at least acknowledge the fight of the people of Tamil Nadu. Our team should wear a black band. Those who go for the match can also wear a black band."
The protest was against the delay in setting up the Cauvery Management Board by the government as directed by the Supreme Court. Attacking the government, the 67-year-old warned that Centre would feel Tamil Nadu’s wrath if the CMB wasn't formed quickly. He said that wearing badges would send a message across the country and team owners ought to support it. A host of actors came together to voice their support including Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, Vikram, Suriya and Vijay.
Earlier, Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam leader T T V Dhinakaran appealed to cricket lovers to shun IPL matches scheduled to be held here to "strengthen the voice of farmers" seeking setting up of the Cauvery Management Board. "I appeal to cricket lovers to boycott the IPL matches to strengthen the voice of farmers in the protest to retrieve rights on Cauvery (river water)," Dhinakaran said in a tweet. Seven IPL matches are scheduled to be held here between April 10 and May 20. He said the IPL matches were to be held at a time when people were holding protests every day to partake in the grief of farmers.