Bangladesh fan alleges assault at Kanpur match, changes statement later

A Bangladeshi fan was hospitalized during the opening day of the Test match between India and Bangladesh at Kanpur's Green Park on Friday.

Initially, Tiger Robi claimed to have faced violence from other fans, but he later retracted that statement, attributing his condition to dehydration caused by the intense heat.

Robi stumbled out of a gate during the lunch break. Security officials and representatives from the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) quickly intervened, providing him with water and a chair before arranging for an ambulance to take him to a medical facility.

Videos captured during the match showed Bangladeshi fan Robi in visible discomfort. While his words were unclear, he suggested he had been punched from behind in the lower back and elbowed in the ribs.

Robi appeared out of breath and struggling, prompting immediate concern among spectators and officials. Local police confirmed that Robi had been removed from the ground after feeling unwell.

It is noteworthy that prior to the match, Hindu extremist organizations threatened to protest outside the stadium against the oppression of Hindus in Bangladesh following the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government.

Protests against Bangladesh's participation in the Test match in Kanpur persisted on Friday, coinciding with the game's opening day. Activists linked to right-wing political parties gathered just a kilometre from the stadium, voicing their discontent.