According to corporate surveys, more than 1/3rd employees of most offices had asked for casual leaves in order to watch the matches. Those who did not get a sanction, cribbed while working during the Indo-Pak match while the smarter ones faked last minute illness or injury to get an off. But that ultimately affected their equation and reputation at the workplace.

Advance leave sanctions
To avoid the last minute bahanas to excuse themselves from work, this year, many had applied for leave about a month ago.

One of them is *Ashish, 29, working in MNC, who ecstatically reveals, "Last year, I did not get a three-day off from office, because most of my colleagues were already on leave, and we were short-staffed, so boss didn't approve my application. I was frustrated. This time, I had applied for a week-long leave well ahead of time, and got them sanctioned too. I'm going to sit in front of my TV and unwind."

For *Dipankar, 27, software developer, things were tough last year as his boss got to know that he had faked a friend's accident to watch the last few matches. "This year, I got leave sanctioned in advance to attend a family wedding for eight days in April. No pangaas this year. I shall watch the matches with friends at my place. Bliss!" he exclaims.

Biwi ya tv?
On the other hand, a few have faked an 'office work trip' at home to flee from their nagging wives during the cricket season. "Last time, my wife crossed all limits of arguing over IPL. I had taken a break from work, but it was of no use. I ended up being frustrated listening to her taunts. I've told her I'll be out of town for a week for work purposes," says *Dhruv who will be enjoying the upcoming matches with friends and beer at a friend's apartment.

Exams or cricket?
"At home, my parents will kill me if I touch the television, as I have my final exams next month. But watching a few highlights now and then won't ruin my career, I think. So, I'm going to stay over at my friend's PG for 'joint studies' and we shall watch the matches without any fear," confesses Raveesh, final year student at Delhi University.