The most anticipated game of the World Cup 2023 league stage between India and Pakistan will be played on October 14 in the world’s largest stadium, Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The prices of hotels have skyrocketed in the city as it will be a houseful despite capacity of 1 lakh 32 thousand. The rivalry between the two neighbouring conditions is considered even bigger than the oldest cricket rivalry – The Ashes. The emotions run so high that fans even break their television sets if the result does not go their way, especially in Pakistan.
Ahead of another high-octane clash between the two arch-rivals, here is a look at some bizarre moments when things got out of hand. It ranges from Pakistani fans throwing stones on the field to fighting with Indian players.
Stone pelting in Karachi
In the 1989-90 season, Kris Srikkanth-led India went on a long tour of Pakistan. After the four-Test series ended in a draw, there was a three-ODI series. The first game of the ODI series was abandoned without a ball being bowled. The home side won the second ODI to take a 1-0 lead before reaching Karachi. In the third ODI, Pakistan were batting first and lost three wickets for 40 runs in 14.3 overs.
Seeing their top order fall, Pakistan fans went too far and started throwing stones at the Indian fielders. Following the fans’ violent behaviour, the Indian fielders gathered near the pitch. Karachi’s local boy Javed Miandad tried to calm down the crowd but he failed and the match was cancelled. The third match was then restarted in Lahore where the hosts won the match and the series by 2-0.
The attack on Srikanth and Azharuddin
Former Indian cricketer turned commentator Sanjay Manjrekar revealed another incident decades later in his book. It took place during the first ODI which was abandoned, when an angry Pakistan fan tore Srikkanth’s shirt. In the same match, Mohammad Azharuddin was attacked with a metal hook, as per Chandu Borde who was team manager during the tour.
While the above incidents have been curbed in recent years with increased security of players, they have entered history books fuelling the rivalry between the two nations.
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