BCCI chief Shashank Manohar seeks report from OCA after embarrassing incident at Cuttack
BCCI chief Shashank Manohar seeks report from OCA after embarrassing incident at Cuttack
Newly-appointed Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) President Shashank Manohar has sought a report from the Honorary Secretary of the Odisha Cricket Association, Ashirwad Behera about the unruly behaviour of the crowd during the second T20 International (T20I) between India and South Africa at the Barabati Stadium at Cuttack, according to bcci.tv. Behera has been given two days to submit his report. The match was interrupted on a couple of occasions. The visitors were cruising at 64 for 3 in 11 Overs, chasing 93 to win, after India were bowled out for just 92 in the 18th over. The spectators resorted to throwing bottles on the field to show their frustration of India playing poorly in the series. READ: India vs South Africa 2015, 2nd T20I at Cuttack: Play disrupted as spectators resort to hooliganism
Many former cricketers, commentators have condemned this act and a few have even called for an international ban for the stadium. These scenes are not new in Indian sports. there was an incident in the World Cup 1996 when India faced Sri Lanka and lost the match from a winning position. READ: India vs South Africa 2015, 2nd T20I at Cuttack: Barabati crowd shows how little Indian spectators have evolved since Eden Gardens, World Cup 1996
“In the wake of unruly behaviour by the crowd at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack during the second T20I between India and South Africa on October 5, 2015, the BCCI President, Mr. Shashank Manohar, has asked the Hon. Secretary of Orissa Cricket Association, Mr. Ashirwad Behera, to submit a report on the incident within two days,” the Board said in a statement.
“During the second innings of the match, the spectators at the Barabati Stadium disrupted the game by hurling plastic water bottles on the field of play. As a result, the play had to be stopped for several minutes before most of the spectators were evacuated from the stadium for play to resume. READ: South Africa may abandon India tour 2015: crowd behaviour at Barabati in Cuttack during 2nd T20I not the only reason
“Mr. Manohar has asked the state association to explain why the spectators were allowed to carry the bottles inside the stadium, which is against the ICC Guidelines,” it added.
India followed up their 199-run score in the first T20I with a terrible display in the second, losing wickets in a heap as the South African bowlers stuck to their basics and let India implode. Rohit Sharma and Suresh Raina finished as top-scorer for the hosts with 24-ball knocks of 22. Albie Morkel was the pick of the South African bowlers, taking three for 12 in four overs in his comeback match.
(With inputs from PTI)