People enjoy indoor cricket on a green pitch at Hotel Maurya in Patna. Picture by Deepak Kumar

Patna, March 7: From giant screens to special menus named after Indian cricketers, World Cup fever has gripped hotels and restaurants across the state capital.

In addition to live screening of cricket matches, Hotel Maurya has made a batting pitch to cash in on the cricket’s mega event.

Yesterday, when India played against Ireland, cricket lovers could be seen watching the match at the hotels. The restaurant manager of Maurya, Kunal Trivedi, said: “We have made arrangements for a cricketing ambience that will attract sport lovers. The waiters are donning replicas of Indian cricket T-shirts as well.”

Talking about the menu, the manager said: “We are serving vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes like Super Sixes for Rs 400, Hattrick Kebabs priced between Rs 355 and Rs 475 and Googly, a dessert priced at Rs 300.”

The manager said: “People have been lapping up the idea which is evident from the increase in footfall, especially to watch yesterday’s match. We are also holding quiz competitions and every Sunday, the winner would be awarded a free lunch or dinner in our hotel. We are also giving special discounts on drinks. For example, on every 60ml of Black Dog whisky, 30ml is served free.”

Commenting on the feeling of wearing an Indian cricket team jersey, waiter Ayub Khan said: “When the customers see us in this attire, they look at us in amazement at first but they appreciate it when we serve the food. Most of the time, we wear a normal uniform, so this is a welcome change.”

Cricket lovers were found cheering the Indian team at Hotel Chanakya yesterday, while catching the live action on a big screen. “Here’s an excellent opportunity for cricket lovers to enjoy the thrill of the World Cup,” Trivedi said. The matches are being telecast on a huge 10ft x 12ft screen.

As part of the special World Cup bonanza, the dishes on the hotel menu have been christened after 11 Indian players and the most expensive dish is named after Sreesanth called “Sreesanth Bowling” costing Rs 500. The other food items include Gambhir the Fort, Pathan ka Sixer, Harbhajan Hattrick, Dhoni Gosht, Tendulkar Khaas, Yuvraj Dhamaka, Chawla ka Spin, Sehwag Shot, Zaheer Bouncer and Virat ki Boundary.

Vanshaaj Kapoor, a Class VIII student who had come with to watch the match, said: “I like the menu which is named after the Indian cricketers. I tried Tendulkar Khaas, and Zaheer Bouncer. Both are yummy. As it was a Sunday, I requested my father to watch the match here.”

The restaurant manager, Aftab Alam, said more screens might be put up if India makes it to the quarter finals.