Cricket fever at the Samudra

Thursday, 12 April 2012 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

It was quite a spectacular week at the Taj Samudra during the England tour of Sri Lanka.

Both the English and Sri Lankan cricket teams were stationed at the Taj Samudra. As usual the Barmy Army followed the English to Colombo and to the Samudra.

Every morning and evening, before and after the cricket game, the hotel lobby was crowded with fans and supporters who were lined up to catch a glimpse of their favorite cricket hero or get a quick snapshot with an autograph.

During the England tour of Sri Lanka, the hotel was alive with many celebrations and events. General Manager Khosla hosted both teams for cocktails, at which the cricketers signed a souvenir poster at the mix bar and there were champagne showers on Steven Finn’s 23rd birthday. It was a surprise arrangement for Finn.

After a hard day of cricket, Steven Finn walked in to the hotel lobby to find a birthday cake, champagne and a big surprise bash held in his honour. The next celebration was for Mahela Jayawardene’s century on the field. His efforts on the field were appreciated and celebrated once again with champagne.

The final and the biggest celebration last week was when the victorious English team arrived at the hotel after the match. Hundreds of roaring fans filled the lobby while English skipper Kevin Pieterson popped open a bottle of champagne. The English cricketers celebrated with their fans and even gifted their t-shirts to the fans who surrounded them.

It certainly was a memorable period of time at the Taj Samudra!