A Bangladeshi fan was harassed by Indian fans during the 17th match of the ICC World Cup 2023 between India and Bangladesh at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune, on October 19.
Shoaib Ali, Bangladesh's superfan, fondly known as “Tiger Shoaib” became the victim of the hostile hospitality of Indian fans who not only disrespected Shaoib, but also millions of Bangladeshi with their actions.
A Mascot of a Tiger, which is associated with Bangladesh cricket as their team is also called the “Bengal Tigers”, was torn apart by the Indian fans and then was thrown towards Shoaib who could do nothing but helplessly keep looking at the aggressors.
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However, this was not the first time that the hostile Indian crowd made things difficult for the opponent players or the fans.
During the most anticipated match of the World Cup between Pakistan and India at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, on October 14, Pakistan players, Mohammad Rizwan to be specifically mentioned, was greeted with religious chants from the Indians.
Babar Azam was also subjected to inappropriate chants during the same game.
Meanwhile, during the Pakistan vs Australia match on Friday, which the Aussies won by 62 runs, a Pakistani fan was stopped from chanting “Pakistan Zindabad” by the Indian policeman who was deployed at the stands.
Not just that, on Thursday, an Indian journalist tried to mislead the Australian skipper, Pat Cummins, by asking his opinion on Rizwan for dedicating Pakistan’s win over Sri Lanka to Palestine's organisation Hamas, when in fact the wicketkeeper did dedicate his side’s historic win to the Muslims of Palestine.
Events like these taking place during the World Cup, which is the mega event, have raised serious questions among the cricketing fraternity who believe that religion and personal agendas should be kept aside from the fans.
It is also worth mentioning that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) did its best and played delaying tactics and didn't allow the Indian visa to Pakistani fans and journalists on time.
