Chennai Super Kings have urged cricket fans to avoid bringing political banners, flags and hoardings to the MA Chidambaram Stadium ahead of their Indian Premier League 2026 clash against Lucknow Super Giants on Saturday, May 9.
In a message posted on social media, CSK requested supporters to focus on cricket and avoid political messaging inside the stadium at Chepauk.
“Come celebrate cricket and the spirit of the game with us. Anbuden request our superfans to avoid bringing banners, flags or hoardings associated with any political party/person and enjoy the game with full yellove,” CSK wrote on their official social media handles.
The latest announcement from CSK comes following actor-turned-politician Vijay being named the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. Vijay’s TVK was finally able to form the state government after days of back and forth with several other parties.
He will be sworn-in into his new role on Sunday, May 10.
NO WHISTLES DURING T20 WORLD CUP
Also, this is not the first time authorities have restricted certain items inside the stadium. Back in February and March during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, controversy erupted after whistles were reportedly stopped from being taken into Chepauk.
The whistle is the election symbol of Vijay’s party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). During the World Cup, police personnel allegedly stopped fans from carrying whistles into the stadium and even warned vendors against selling them outside Chepauk.
The development sparked widespread debate because the “Whistle Podu” slogan has long been associated with CSK and the culture of Chepauk. Fans expressed surprise over whistles being restricted at a venue where they are traditionally considered a key part of the matchday atmosphere.
However, the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association later clarified that the restriction had not been imposed by them, the Board of Control for Cricket in India, or the International Cricket Council. TNCA stated that police authorities had informed them about the restriction.
A senior Chennai police official later reportedly clarified that there was “no official ban” on whistles and suggested that confusion may have arisen due to extra caution exercised by personnel on the ground.
CSK’s latest advisory ahead of the LSG fixture appears aimed at ensuring that political messaging does not land people in trouble at the stadium premises.
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