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The mega auction for the fifteenth edition of the Indian T20 league took the world by storm. Several teams were trending for their auction tactics. However, Chennai, unfortunately, gained the limelight for all the wrong reasons.
First things first, their decision to not buy back Suresh Raina was criticized by several fans. People didn't like the fact that the defending champions chose to ignore their legend, who has won so many games for the franchise in the past. However, another controversial decision by the yellow army managed to overshadow this as well.
Chennai buying Maheesh Theekshana resulted in a heavy backlash. After the Sri Lankan spinner was purchased for INR 75 lakh, a hashtag that asked for Chennai to be boycotted was one of the top trends on all the social media platforms in India. This is due to the region's politics.
Remove the player from the franchise or remove the word "Chennai"- Fans
As Theekshana is a Sinhalese, he was a target for all social media users. The spinner is a corporal in the Sri Lanka army and that is why the locals are absolutely furious over Chennai getting him. As a matter of fact, they have demanded the team to remove him from the squad.
The Sri Lankan army had allegedly killed thousands of Elam Tamils during the Civil War. Thus, several users vented out their frustrations, and felt that he shouldn't be a part of the Chennai-based team. It is to be noted that Sri Lankan players were even banned from playing in Tamil Nadu.
In the meanwhile, Theekshana is currently playing a five-match T20I series in Australia. So far, he has picked four wickets in three games in the series. However, the Finch-led side have already won the first three games and thus, have already won the series.
In 2013, ExCM.Jayalalitha asked PM that Tamilnadu will permit IPL matches only if organisers promise that no Sri Lankan players, umpires, officials or support staff will participate.
— T-Bag (@Theodore_Bag_T) February 14, 2022
ஏ1 ஆ இருந்தாலும் இந்த விசயத்தில் ஆண்மையுள்ள பெண்??.. 🤔#Boycott_ChennaiSuperKings pic.twitter.com/ThgmtkC7QX
Tamils don't want Sri Lankan players just like country doesn't want Pakistan players #Boycott_ChennaiSuperKings pic.twitter.com/00FkONr63t
— irfan shaikh (@irfanterkheda) February 14, 2022
The former chief minister of Tamilnadu banned Lankan players from Chennai IPL to avert offending Tamil sentiments. It has to be continued. #Boycott_ChennaiSuperKings pic.twitter.com/gt6E2GmDmT
— ||மாதிரு|| Mathu||🌿💫 (@IMathuSpeaks) February 14, 2022
Millions of Tamil people all over the world are deeply shocked and hurt by the decision of @ChennaiIPL to buy a Sri Lankan cricketer who has played for Sri Lankan army cricket team as well.
— பிரியக்குமார் அ (@ProudTamizhan1) February 14, 2022
TN CM should take immediate action @mkstalin#Boycott_ChennaiSuperKings pic.twitter.com/ylsJT1CRJH
Around 20 lakh Tamil people are thrown out as refugees by Sinhala state Terrorism!
— பிரபா (@prabhaarr) February 14, 2022
No Justice yet,
But Tamil People whistles for a Sinhala player in #CSK
#Boycott_ChennaiSuperKings pic.twitter.com/UGduoS6rzO