Bangladeshi fan allegedly assaulted by Hindu extremists during Kanpur Test

A Bangladeshi cricket fan was allegedly assaulted by a group of Hindu extremists during the second Test match between Bangladesh and India at Kanpur. The attack left the fan, Tiger Robi, in critical condition, sparking outrage on social media.

Tiger Robi, known for his unwavering support of the Bangladeshi cricket team, much like Pakistan's iconic ‘Chacha Cricket’, was attending the match when he was targeted by extremists in the stands. According to eyewitnesses, the group beat him up during the match, leaving him visibly shaken and requiring immediate medical attention.

The incident occurred on the first day of the Test, where Bangladesh ended the day's play at 107 runs for the loss of 3 wickets.

Footage of the assault went viral on social media, exposing the hostility Bangladeshi supporters face at Indian venues. The video sparked widespread criticism of India’s hospitality, raising questions about the safety of foreign fans at international sporting events.

“This attack highlights the growing intolerance towards minorities and foreign nationals,” said a Bangladeshi journalist who covered the match.

Before the start of the match, Hindu extremist groups had threatened to protest outside the stadium. These groups claimed they were opposing the alleged mistreatment of Hindus in Bangladesh following the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government. Despite these threats, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) did not increase security measures for Bangladeshi fans, leaving them vulnerable to harassment.

In Dhaka, the interim government of Bangladesh condemned the allegations of Hindu persecution, labelling them as "negative propaganda." A government spokesperson reiterated that these claims were part of a broader agenda to destabilise the region and spread misinformation.

"These false accusations are aimed at creating unrest and tarnishing our image. We have always upheld the rights of minorities," the spokesperson said.

Despite the threats issued by extremist groups, Indian authorities failed to bolster security for Bangladeshi fans attending the match. As a result, Tiger Robi and several other Bangladeshi supporters were left unprotected inside the stadium.

The lack of security precautions has drawn sharp criticism. “We expected the Indian cricket board to ensure the safety of all fans, regardless of nationality,” said a Bangladeshi fan who witnessed the attack.

In recent weeks, Hindu extremist groups have increased pressure on the Indian government and the cricket board to boycott Bangladesh over allegations of religious persecution. The extremist groups have also called for strikes and protests across Indian cities, including Gwalior, to coincide with matches involving the Bangladeshi cricket team.

The incident has raised concerns about the safety of foreign fans in India, particularly those from Bangladesh, as tensions between the two nations continue to rise. Fans and officials alike are calling for tighter security measures and more accountability from Indian authorities to prevent such attacks in the future.