A pitch invader, who entered the cricket ground during the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023 final between India and Australia on Sunday, has been arrested by Ahmedabad police.
According to an ANI report, the pitch intruder, who ran onto the field in a white t-shirt and red trousers and was carrying a Palestine flag face mask, has been taken to Chandkheda Police Station. The arrested person claims to be from Australia.
“My name is John…I am from Australia. I entered (the field) to meet Virat Kohli. I support Palestine…” the man was quoted as saying by ANI.
The incident happened during the 14th over of India’s innings, when the invader crossed the fence and ran towards Kohli.
He initially walked up to Kohli, patted him on the back and tried hugging the Indian batter before he was apprehended by security authorities at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday.
Notably, this was not the first case of pitch invasion during this World Cup.
In India’s first match of the World Cup 2023, the game against Australia at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, saw social media influencer Daniel Jarvis a.k.a Jarvo storm onto the field.
Jarvo, who has been a serial pitch invader, making headlines for his security-threatening acts, entered the ground wearing India colours before the start of the match and was escorted by security personnel, following which the ICC banned him from attending further matches in the World Cup.
Earlier, Australia skipper Pat Cummins won the toss and opted to bowl first, with both teams not making any changes in their playing XI.
Playing XIs:
Australia: Travis Head, David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Josh Inglis(w), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins(c), Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood
India: Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul(w), Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj