Anti-India banners fly over Leeds during India-Sri Lanka match
For the second time in the ICC World Cup 2019, banners with political messages were seen flying over cricket ground during matches. The first occasion saw a ''Justice for Balochistan'' banner during the Afghanistan versus Pakistan encounter in Leeds on June 29. And now in the India-Sri Lanka match, three banners flew at the same venue. Here's more.
Three banners seen flying in the India vs Lanka game
Minutes later, when the India and Sri Lanka match started on Saturday, a banner carrying the words ''Justice for Kashmir'' flew above the ground. Moments later, another aircraft carried a banner titled, ''India Stop Genocide, Free Kashmir''. And then when India were batting during the chase of 265, a third aircraft flew above with a banner - ''Help End Mob Lynching''.
Banner seen during the India-Lanka encounter at Headingley
BCCI files written complaint with the ICC
The incident on Saturday that had political overtone in it, got the BCCI to file a written complaint with the ICC. "This is completely unacceptable. We have written to the ICC, raising our concern about what happened. If this kind of incident is repeated, it will be really unfortunate. Safety and security of our players is paramount," said a BCCI official to PTI.
Afghanistan versus Pakistan match saw similar incident
During the Afghanistan versus Pakistan game, a similar banner was displayed. The unnamed aircraft then landed at the Bradford airport. Later on, several fans were also evicted for engaging in a brawl inside Headingley. As far the ICC is concerned, it has zero-tolerance for political or racist slogans. The governing body expressed its disappointment for the security breaches.
Incident during Afghanistan-Pakistan encounter
We are incredibly disappointed, says ICC
"We are incredibly disappointed this has happened again. We do not condone any sort of political messages at the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup. After the previous incident we were assured by West Yorkshire Police there would not be repeat of this issue, so we are very dissatisfied it has happened again," read a statement issued by the ICC.
Political activism using sports is a sorry sight
Cricket venues being used for political activism is something regrettable. Yorkshire, which is in the northern part of England, has a massive Pakistan population. Bradford is their main area. So it is understandable that Pakistanis were behind these banners. The ICC needs to be more alert and the police authorities of these jurisdictions should work in tandem. Miscreants need to be punished.
No-Fly Zone in 2019 World Cup semi-finals
As per reports, during the semi-final matches of the 2019 World Cup, the air space above Old Trafford in Manchester and Edgbaston in Birmingham will be a ''No-Fly Zone. The police authorities have given ICC the assurance regarding the same.
