“Trespassers will be shot,’’ is the warning on the gate at the Palam Sports Complex. It is a restricted area for public, and even the cricket fans have a hard time getting in to watch First Class matches.
In such a stifling scenario, the Delhi and Uttar Pradesh Ranji players were shocked to see a car being driven right on to the pitch, the most protected space otherwise. The security lapse left the teams stunned at the fag end of Friday’s play.
Following extension of play, the umpires were busy checking the light when they confronted this reckless driver, who performed a pattern of 8 even as the players looked to save themselves.
The intruder repeatedly drove on the pitch with international stars like Gautam Gambhir and Ishant Sharma in close vicinity of the playing surface. However, the errant driver did not hurt any player.
Entry to the ground is strictly monitored. Even the vehicles entering have to be registered at the gate but obviously this person had sneaked in. Strange, since former India bowler and current Delhi selector Atul Wassan had a tough time gaining entry to the ground in the morning.
The Air Force authorities said they would investigate and take action against the young man who is reportedly working in a multinational company.
This was the third security lapse in a cricket match in the last seven days. On October 29, a spectator had defied security at the Green Park Stadium during the India-New Zealand ODI.
At the Ferozeshah Kotla recently, a fan ran on to the field to touch Ashish Nehra’s feet even as the bowler was midway through his final over.