On this day in 1999, in Eden Gardens, Calcutta, a riot erupted over Sachin Tendulkar’s run-out during the India vs Pakistan Asian Test Championship match This incident was just one of several disturbances during the match. As Pakistan neared victory on the final day, authorities faced a daunting task: clearing the entire stadium of spectators, resulting in a three-hour delay.
Initially slated as the series finale, the February Calcutta Test was transformed into the inaugural match of the Asian Championship upon its acceptance. Despite the change, the event garnered immense public support, drawing nearly 100,000 spectators over the first four days and 65,000 on the fifth, surpassing a 63-year attendance record for Test cricket.
However, the game was overshadowed by crowd disturbances, resulting in a subdued atmosphere and an eventual expulsion of spectators due to a riot. The match commenced without incident, with India initially dominating as Pakistan stumbled to 26 for 6 on the first morning.
Sachin Tendulkar’s dismissal results in a riot:
Moin Khan’s resilient 70 led Pakistan to 185, though Sachin Tendulkar’s dismissal for a first-ball duck left the crowd discontented. Javagal Srinath’s stellar bowling, claiming 8 for 86 and 13 for 132, was matched by Saeed Anwar’s exceptional 188 not out in Pakistan’s second innings, setting India a target of 279.
Tendulkar, cheered by the crowd, scored 7 runs before colliding with Shoaib Akhtar during a run. Despite completing 5000 Test runs, a direct hit from substitute Nadeem Khan led to his dismissal. Umpire Steve Bucknor referred it to the third umpire, who ultimately ruled him out. The incident sparked debate over fault allocation.
Pakistan go on to claim a narrow victory:
India appeared well-placed at 143 for 2 on the fourth afternoon until a contentious incident altered the game’s trajectory. Tendulkar’s run-out, amidst confusion and collision with Shoaib Akhtar, sparked controversy. Despite the subsequent delay and protests, the match resumed, with Pakistan ultimately clinching victory.
The crowd’s disappointment escalated, leading to disruptions and clashes with authorities. Although Pakistan secured a 46-run win, the chaotic scenes marred the match’s conclusion. Criticisms were leveled at both the police tactics and media coverage, exacerbating tensions.
Despite the unfortunate turn of events, the Calcutta Test showcased the essence of Test cricket, albeit tarnished by unruly behavior. Subsequent matches in the championship failed to replicate the intensity, culminating in a one-sided final. Despite the turmoil, cricket emerged as the ultimate victor, echoing Jagmohan Dalmiya’s sentiments amidst the aftermath.
The post OTD in 1999: Riots erupt after Tendulkar’s run-out in Asian Test Championship game against Pakistan appeared first on Inside Sport India.