On a sweltering Friday at Kanpur’s Green Park, a Bangladeshi cricket fan named Robi found himself at the center of a controversy that quickly escalated. Initially, Robi claimed he had been assaulted by local fans during the India vs. Bangladesh Test match. However, his story took a turn when he later retracted these allegations from his hospital bed, attributing his condition to dehydration and the intense Kanpur heat.
Robi, a well-known Bangladeshi superfan, had been visibly distressed when he was escorted out of the stadium. During the lunch break, he was seen stumbling near the media gate, his face painted with tiger stripes, a symbol of his fervent support for the Bangladesh cricket team. Security and Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) officials promptly attended to him, providing water and arranging for an ambulance to take him to a nearby medical facility.
Videos captured by ESPNcricinfo showed Robi in significant discomfort, struggling to breathe and indicating that he had been punched in the lower back and elbowed in the ribs. Before this incident, Robi had been spotted in Stand C, an area deemed unfit for spectators. He was the lone fan waving the Bangladeshi flag, which reportedly led to an altercation with some Indian fans. Eyewitnesses recounted that an argument ensued, resulting in pushing and shoving, and Robi’s flag being snatched and discarded.
At the hospital, Robi’s narrative shifted. He told the media that he had felt unwell due to the heat and dehydration, and the police had taken him to the hospital for treatment. Assistant Police Commissioner of Kalyanpur, Abhishek Pandey, corroborated this, stating that Robi’s health had deteriorated suddenly and that reports of an altercation were unfounded. Pandey added that Robi had undergone several tests and was found to be in good health. A liaison officer was assigned to assist Robi as needed.
Bangladesh Super fan Tiger Robi said - "My health deteriorated and Kanpur police brought me to the hospital and I am being treated well". pic.twitter.com/hEXKscSeh3
— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) September 27, 2024
This incident occurred against a backdrop of protests against Bangladesh’s participation in the Test match in Kanpur. Activists from right-wing political parties had been demonstrating near the stadium, responding to reports of attacks on the Hindu minority in Bangladesh over the past month and a half. The political climate in Bangladesh had been turbulent since July, following student-led protests that led to the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League government.
Interestingly, this was not the first time a Bangladeshi fan faced hostility in India. Shoaib Ali Bukhari, another celebrated Bangladeshi supporter, was allegedly manhandled during an ODI World Cup match against India in Pune the previous year.
The incident involving Robi highlights the volatile mix of sports, politics, and national identity. While the initial reports suggested a violent altercation, the subsequent clarification pointed to a health issue exacerbated by the extreme weather conditions. The quick response by security and medical personnel ensured Robi received the necessary care, but the incident also underscored the need for better crowd management and safety measures at sporting events.
As the cricketing world continues to grapple with such incidents, it is crucial to ensure that fans can support their teams without fear of violence or harassment. The passion and enthusiasm that fans like Robi bring to the sport are invaluable, and their safety should be a priority for organizers and authorities alike.
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