Indian fan banned from Bay Oval for verbally abusing commentator in the fifth T20I

The recently concluded five-match Twenty20 International series between New Zealand and India was a pulsating affair which was played between the ‘Spirit of the Game’. However, it was marred by spectators breaching the security and running onto the ground, not once but twice during the fourth T20I at Westpac Stadium in Wellington.

Another incident that has come to light is a fan of Indian origin, has reportedly been banned from entering the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui for the entirety of the 2019-20 season after he was accused of abusing a commentator following the fifth and final T20I between New Zealand and India.

According to a report by stuff.co.nz, a 24-year-old man was arrested on Sunday after he managed to sneak into the ground to seek an autograph from a commentator. But, following his request for an autograph being denied, the fan proceeded to hurl abuses at the commentator. The incident prompted the security personnel to intervene and escort the fan out of the ground. The commentator’s identity is yet to be disclosed.

12 other fans were also evicted from Bay Oval

Back in November, a spectator was banned by New Zealand Cricket (NZC) for a period of two years for hurling racial abuse at England fast bowler Jofra Archer.

Speaking on the latest incident, New Zealand Cricket’s public affairs manager Richard Boock said the man will be banned for the entirety of the season from attending cricket matches at the Bay Oval. He, however, revealed that the abuse hurled by the spectator was not racial.

“At the moment, as far as his future entry to arenas for the rest of the home international summer, any booking he has made has been blocked while we’re assessing what went on and deciding what should happen,” Boock was quoted as saying by stuff.co.nz.

Not only the spectator, who hurled abuse at the commentator but 12 other fans were evicted from the Bay Oval for unruly behaviour, Boock revealed. Coming back to the series, India notched up a 5-0 whitewash at the expense of the Kiwis, and they will be looking to continue with the good work in the upcoming ODI series which starts at Seddon Park in Hamilton from February 05.

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