Indian Players Mobbed and Body-Shamed: BCCI Takes Action Against Fan Misconduct
Indian cricketers were subjected to rude comments and body-shaming during a practice session in Adelaide ahead of the second Test in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. Following the incident, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has barred fans from attending future practice sessions during the series.
The practice session, initially intended to be open to fans, turned chaotic as thousands gathered to watch the Indian team in action. The large crowd contrasted sharply with the limited turnout for Australia’s session earlier in the day.
What Happened During the Practice Session?
According to reports, over 3,000 fans showed up to watch India’s practice session in Adelaide, compared to only 70 fans during Australia’s earlier training. The unexpected surge in attendance caused disruption, with several fans passing insensitive and inappropriate remarks toward Indian players.
An eye-witness shared that Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant were badgered to hit sixes during practice, while another player faced body-shaming comments.
“Virat (Kohli) and Shubman Gill could have been mobbed because of so many people. Some were doing Facebook live with friends and talking loudly just as the batter took stance,” he said.
“One supporter continuously urged a player to say ‘hi’ to him in Gujarati. Another particular cricketer was body-shamed.”
BCCI’s Strong Response to the Incident
A senior BCCI official confirmed that the behavior of fans had deeply disturbed the players, leading to the cancellation of future open practice sessions.
“It was complete chaos. During the Australian training session, not more than 70-odd people turned up but during India’s session, 3000 came. No one expected so many fans to turn up,” a senior BCCI official told PTI on conditions of anonymity.
“There was another fans’ day in Sydney (ahead of the fifth Test) which stands cancelled as players were very disturbed by the rude and insensitive comments that were passed (here),” he added.
🚨 TEAM INDIA BANS OPEN PRACTICE SESSION…!!! 🚨
– Approx 5,000 fans tuned in for India’s net session yesterday with some of them passing demeaning comments, so the BCCI have decided to go ahead with closed doors practice sessions for the rest of the Australian tour. (The Age). pic.twitter.com/QY3hTGZBjM
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) December 4, 2024
Impact on the Border-Gavaskar Trophy
The second Test in Adelaide will be a day-night encounter, followed by matches in Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney. While fans remain a crucial part of the game, this incident highlights the importance of maintaining respect and boundaries.
Indian players will now prepare for the upcoming matches in a closed setting, ensuring their focus remains undisturbed.
Key Details:
Incident Location: Adelaide, during India’s practice session
Crowd Size: ~3,000 during India’s session, ~70 during Australia’s session
Second Test Start Date: Friday (Day-Night Test in Adelaide)
Other Venues: Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney