Kanpur’s Green Park became the scene of unexpected drama during the cricket Test match between India and Bangladesh, as events off the field drew as much attention as the action on it. The spectacle began a few minutes after the lunch break when a light drizzle had ceased. Police constables were seen carrying Roby, a well-known Bangladesh superfan who famously dresses in a tiger costume during games, to the media entrance gate. Initially appearing lifeless, Roby quickly sprang into energetic motion when asked what had happened, pointing fervently to his hip. His scattered attempts to communicate were marked by sobs, making it difficult to understand his words clearly. Those who managed to discern some of his speech reported that he claimed he had been beaten up, trying to show non-visible injury marks under his tiger-themed clothing.
A cameraman, visibly annoyed but curious, stubbed out his newly lit cigarette and hurried over. Long-time acquaintances of Roby attested that he is prone to exaggerated reactions, often causing his complaints to be dismissed. However, given the stakes surrounding the credibility of Kanpur as a suitable venue for Test cricket amid competition from Lucknow, authorities couldn’t completely ignore the claims.
Reactions from the attending policemen varied:
“Pata nahi, Bangali mein kuch bol raha hai” (Not sure, he’s saying something in Bengali)
“Pet pakad kar gir gaya tha. Gas hua hoga shaayad” (He was holding his stomach, must be some gastric trouble)
“Arey, kuch nahi hua. Nautanki hai” (Nothing happened, he’s being dramatic)
One officer outright dismissed the idea of any physical assault, citing the presence of CCTV cameras everywhere. However, a request to review the footage was declined without explanation.
Roby had spent the preceding two hours enthusiastically dancing and waving the Bangladesh flag from a secluded part of the ‘C Stand,’ which had been cordoned off for safety reasons. The reasons behind his presence there were mixed; some reports suggested that organizers had placed him there to keep him away from the Indian fans, while others indicated he had chosen the spot himself. Regardless, he was eventually noticed and brought back to the occupied stands, albeit looking reluctant.
Witnesses reported that tensions escalated as soon as Roby rejoined the crowd. He allegedly provoked Indian fans with offensive language, leading to attempts to restrain him from waving his flag. The confrontation grew heated, with one Indian fan seen gripping Roby’s shoulder aggressively.
. Although it remains unclear if Roby was physically beaten, the situation was enough to warrant concern.
Roby was subsequently transported to a hospital located half an hour away in a production van, where he underwent X-rays and CT scans. Following these examinations, a more ‘official’ version of events was provided. Abhishek Pandey, Assistant Commissioner of Police from Kalyanpur, stated that Roby had merely been unwell, which caused him to collapse. This narrative was later supported by Roby himself in a police-recorded video from the hospital.
As the off-field drama unfolded, so did the predicted heavier rain, causing the day’s play at Green Park to be called off. Up to that point, it had been a relatively bland day of cricket, noteworthy primarily for two significant moments: Akash Deep’s crucial strikes and R. Ashwin surpassing Anil Kumble to become the second-highest wicket-taker in Asia. As the game paused, Bangladesh had managed to post 107 for 3 in 35 overs, with their innings showing resilience.
The eventful day was not limited to Roby’s ordeal. Inside the stadium, numerous enchanting and bizarre occurrences took place. Langurs were brought in to address a monkey problem that had been plaguing the venue. Meanwhile, outside the stadium, protests by two right-wing groups added more commotion. These groups raised slogans against hosting the Bangladesh team, driven by the political and social unrest in their home country. Their demonstration was fleeting, dissolving soon after a short period of chanting in front of media cameras.
Friday’s events at Green Park underscored the multifaceted nature of cricket in India. It is a spectacle that extends beyond the playing field, encompassing everything from the extraordinary to the absurd. The day’s twists and turns offered a vivid reminder that the sport here is about far more than just the bat and ball—it’s about the full spectrum of human experience, encompassing the ridiculous, the heated, and indeed, the bizarre.