Indian Players Face Harassment in Australia, BCCI Gives Strong Reply

Fans will no longer be allowed at Team India’s practice sessions during the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test series against Australia after several players faced harassment and rude comments from the crowd during training. The incident occurred ahead of the second Test, scheduled to begin on Friday.

The chaos unfolded during an open practice session at the Adelaide training facility. While Australia’s session saw a modest turnout of about 70 spectators, over 3,000 fans gathered to watch the Indian team, overwhelming the facility.

"It was complete chaos. No one expected such a large crowd. The players were very disturbed by the rude and insensitive remarks,” a senior BCCI official told PTI, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Insensitive Behavior and Harassment

Eyewitnesses reported that fans badgered players like Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant, urging them to hit sixes. Other players, including Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill, were at risk of being mobbed due to the overwhelming crowd.

One supporter repeatedly asked a player to greet him in Gujarati, while another player was subjected to body-shaming comments. Fans also disrupted concentration by loudly speaking on Facebook Live while batters prepared for their stance.

BCCI Cancels Open Practice Sessions

In response to the incident, the BCCI has cancelled all future open practice sessions, including a planned “Fans’ Day” in Sydney ahead of the fifth Test. "The players’ well-being and focus are our top priority," the BCCI official stated.

The harassment has cast a shadow over the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, which features a day-night Test in Adelaide, followed by matches in Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney.

The Indian team is now expected to practice in closed sessions to avoid further disturbances as they prepare for the crucial second Test.