Ever since the glamorous IPL has come into existence, the allurement has reached to a top-notch level. From Bollywood celebrities to world-renowned cricketers, the tournament has brought the fascinating world together, as fans are up for a treat every time they tune in.
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One of the attractions in the tournament, for the fans visiting the stadiums, is the presence of cheerleaders. Their job is to entertain the crowd with their enchanting dance moves throughout the match, especially during top moments.
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While it certainly looks dazzling, there are some dark truths regarding them. Over the years, a few cheerleaders have opened regarding the hidden secrets surrounding their jobs, as we take a look at some.
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Improper treatment: The first and foremost secret, which many would like to think about, is how are they treated and perceived. Many cheerleaders have revealed that they are usually treated like sex dolls, while certain people from the crowd hurl abuses towards them and pass remarks that are generally sexist. Instead of applauding their performance, they are harassed, while the cops, too, have allegedly searched their rooms without a proper warrant, as the authorities hardly support them.
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Atrocious after-parties: Besides performing on the field, the cheerleaders are also invited to the after-parties, organised by the franchises, to help the players relax after a hard day on the field. While the parties involve various sorts of entertainment, a few cheerleaders have revealed that some players tend to get drunk and misbehave with them. Some have also admitted that the parties are hotspots for match-fixing.
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Racial abuse: This is the most common abuse in every sector of life, let along sports. Not just players, even the cheerleaders are not spared when it comes to racism. Some have revealed that the real reason why the cheerleaders happen to be from Europe or USA is that authorities don't want Indians or black girls in the cheerleading squad. Some also admitted that Indian cheerleaders cannot be asked to wear skinny clothes, which itself is racism.
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All work, no pay: There is a common notion that the cheerleaders get paid a hefty amount for their performance. Unfortunately, it is the other way around, as their pay is minimal, which vary from franchises. A couple of cheerleaders reported issues regarding payments on time, along with improper food, while they were also provided with cheap hotel accommodations.
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The Bollywood connection: In one of the bright sides of the secret involving the cheerleaders, it is not always their first instance of featuring in India. Some of the cheerleaders are common faces, especially having performed in Bollywood. This is because of the agencies they are associated with, who also occasionally supply these cheerleaders to Bollywood, where they perform as dancers during item numbers.
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