Sudhir Kumar denied access to PCA Stadium in Mohali

Sudhir Kumar is perhaps one of the most recognizable people when it comes to following the Indian cricket team. Wherever he goes, fans would usually make way for him to enter the stadium. A staunch fan of Sachin Tendulkar, Sudhir Kumar is also one of the most noticeable persons and his body paint has become a trademark and a piece of Indian cricketing folklore.

However, the start of the third Test match between India and England was anything but a pleasant cricket match as far Sudhir was concerned as he was not allowed to enter the Gates as the match started. Moreover, the reason the door that had slammed shut in his face was for a rather bizarre and peculiar reason, to say the least.

In an advisory for the spectators, the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) has asked: “to strictly follow the guidelines provided under the Flag Code of India 2002 and Prevention of Insults to the National Honour Act, 1971.” However, according to Sudhir, he didn’t face this situation at the venues of previous two Tests of the ongoing series at Rajkot and Visakhapatnam.

The PCA Secretary GS Walia also had reiterated the same “We have been asked to adhere to it without fail; hence, the local police and security officials have been informed about it. They will now ensure that it is strictly followed,” PCA secretary, GS Walia, told TOI.

A bemused Sudhir Kumar also went on to reiterate that nobody had stopped him previously whilst adding that the Indian security in charge would look into the matter. “Nobody stopped me there, so I am surprised why it’s happening here,” Sudhir said while holding his flag and conch shell at Gate No. 1 of the stadium.

“I have brought this to the notice of Indian team’s security in charge, and he has promised to look into the matter,” he said.