Cauvery row: Ahead of CSK's first home game, Tamil groups protest outside Chepauk stadium

Members of the Tamizhaga Vazhvurimai Katchi (TVK), a group from Tamil Nadu  staged protests outside Chennai's MA Chidambaram (Chepauk) Stadium demanding the formation of a Cauvery Welfare Board. Many of the protesters were detained by the police, ANI reported.

The protests come at a time when Rajinikanth supported the 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."

In a strong message to Rajnikanth, though, the Chennai police has requested the BCCI to not allow anyone wearing black clothes to enter the Chepauk stadium during the IPL match. The Chennai police has assured IPL authorities that they will provide a second layer of security as the threat of protestors turning up in large numbers looms.

A fringe leader in Tamil Nadu has now warned CSK players to avoid IPL matches, saying he isn't responsible if something were to happen to them.

Tamil Nadu: Members of Tamizhaga Vazhvurimai Katchi (TVK) protetst oustide MA Chidambaram Stadium (Chepauk Stadium) in Chennai against #IPL2018 over #CauveryManagementBoard issue. Protesters detained by police. pic.twitter.com/c5fKXGovml

— ANI (@ANI) April 10, 2018

Meanwhile, top Tamil film stars on Sunday joined the ongoing protest for the formation of a Cauvery Management Board (CMB) in Tamil Nadu's Chennai.

Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan, as well as superstar Rajinikanth along with his son-in-law Dhanush, participated in a protest organised by various film bodies in Chennai's Valluvar Kottam.

Vijay, Nasser, Vishal and Ilaiyaraaja also joined the stage with Haasan and Rajinikanth.

Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) leader T T V Dhinakaran and some pro-Tamil outfits have opposed playing of IPL matches in the city, citing the ongoing protests in support of setting up of CMB.

Dhinakaran has appealed to the cricket fans to shun the matches scheduled to be held here in order to strengthen the voice of farmers' seeking CMB. Pro-Tamil outfits including Tamilaga Vazhvurimai Katchi have also opposed holding of IPL matches in the city.

Opposition DMK Working President M K Stalin had said the organisers of IPL matches should realise the issues faced by the people and act accordingly. "We are not saying that it (matches) should not be held. The organisers should realise the problems of people and act accordingly," he had said last week.