Kanpur police denies attack by Indian fans on Bangladesh ‘Super Fan’ during second Test

Bangladesh cricket team’s “Super Fan” Tiger Roby was rushed to a hospital on Day 1 of the second Test between India and Bangladesh in Kanpur on Friday.

While Roby was initially believed to have been roughed up by Indian fans present at the Green Park Stadium, Kanpur Police later denied that story stating he “suddenly fell ill” during the course of the opening day.

“During the cricket match between India and Bangladesh today, a spectator named Tiger suddenly fell ill. When his condition deteriorated, police personnel present at the scene lifted him and provided medical assistance,” Additional Commissioner of Police (ACP) Kalyanpur Abhishek Pandey was quoted as saying in a video posted on X by news agency IANS.

“He has since recovered, and a liaison officer has been assigned to ensure he receives immediate help if needed. There were rumors of a fight, but these are completely baseless; no such incident occurred. The cause of his injury was identified during conversations and is unrelated to any altercation,” ACP Pandey added.

More from First Cricket News

Suresh Raina to appear before ED for questioning in illegal betting app case linked to money laundering Rohit Sharma hits the gym to train with Abhishek Nayar amid reports of ODI retirement

Kanpur: ACP Kalyanpur Abhishek Pandey on Bangladeshi fan, Tiger Robi's matter, says, "During the cricket match between India and Bangladesh today, a spectator named Tiger suddenly fell ill. When his condition deteriorated, police personnel present at the scene lifted him and… https://t.co/GrORi4gGUD pic.twitter.com/kqXA6ZiTl5

— IANS (@ians_india) September 27, 2024

ACP (Law and Order) Harish Chander added that Robi was initially unconscious, but is doing well at present.

“He was gasping for breath when he met a constable. He became unconscious before we could speak to him, but now he is fine,” ACP Chander told PTI.

As it happened | India vs Bangladesh 2nd Test Day 1 in Kanpur 

During a brief interaction with media, Robi indicated that he had been punched in his abdomen during an altercation. However, in a statement issued from his hospital bed later, he said he merely felt unwell and was given the requisite assistance by the local police.

“I fell ill and the police brought me to the hospital. Now I am feeling much better. My name is Robi and I have come from Bangladesh,” he stated in a short video clip.

Police intervened shortly after the incident, following which Robi was taken to a “nearby facility” for treatment, according to news agency PTI. Roby, who was dressed in the costume of a tiger, was seated in stand C of the Green Park Stadium in Kanpur when the incident took place.

VIDEO | Bangladesh cricket team's 'super fan' Tiger Roby was allegedly beaten up by some people during the India-Bangladesh second Test match being played at Kanpur's Green Park stadium. He was taken to hospital by the police. More details are awaited.#INDvsBAN #INDvsBANTEST… pic.twitter.com/n4BXfKZhgy

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 27, 2024

‘He was wincing in pain’

Earlier, an Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association official said Robi could barely communicate when he was carried out.

“As he came out of the stands, he was wincing in pain and seemed to be fainting. He was given a chair to sit but he fell,” the official said.

The opening day of the Test ended early due to rain with the visiting side on 107/3. Bangladesh lost the opening game by an innings and 280 runs.

In a video posted on social media on Thursday, Robi had claimed that “there is a conspiracy to hurt Bangladeshi supporters” during the Kanpur Test.

“But we are ready for the possibility that we might be stopped from entering the stadium. In that case we will sit outside and support the team,” he had said.

“I know that I might face trouble but I am ready for that,” he added.

With PTI inputs