Bangladesh superfan retracts assault claim at Kanpur Test, cites dehydration

A Bangladeshi cricket fan found himself at the centre of a controversy at Kanpur's Green Park on 27 september, after initially alleging that he had been assaulted by local spectators during the opening day of the India vs Bangladesh Test.

The fan, Robi, later said from a hospital that his earlier claim stemmed from dehydration and not an altercation.

Robi, a well-known supporter of the Bangladesh cricket team, was initially taken to hospital after reporting discomfort during the lunch break. With his face painted in tiger stripes, he was seen stumbling near the media gate, visibly struggling. Security and Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) officials offered him water and provided a chair before arranging for an ambulance to transport him to a nearby medical facility.

In videos captured at the scene, Robi appeared breathless and indicated that he had been struck from behind, claiming he was punched in the lower back and elbowed in the ribs. Before being led away, he was seen in Stand C, waving the Bangladeshi flag. However, this area of the stadium had previously been declared unfit for spectators, raising questions about how Robi gained access. Eyewitnesses reported seeing him involved in a confrontation with some Indian fans, after which his flag was snatched and thrown away.

Despite the initial claims of assault, Robi later changed his account while in hospital. Speaking to reporters, he said, "I was feeling unwell. The police brought me to the hospital, and I am feeling better after receiving treatment." The local police also denied any reports of an altercation. Assistant police commissioner of Kalyanpur, Abhishek Pandey, stated, "Robi's health deteriorated suddenly. Reports of an altercation are baseless; he hurt himself when he fell." Pandey also confirmed that Robi underwent several medical tests and was found to be in good health.

As of the time of this report, Robi has remained in a hospital, but the police have assigned a liaison officer to assist him as needed.

The incident occurred amid ongoing protests against Bangladesh's participation in the Test series at Kanpur. Right-wing political activists, reacting to reports of attacks on the minority Hindu community in Bangladesh over the past month, held demonstrations just a kilometre from the stadium. Tensions have been high in Bangladesh since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government in July, following student-led protests.

Previously, Shoaib Ali Bukhari, another prominent Bangladeshi superfan, was allegedly manhandled during an ODI World Cup match against India in Pune last year.