In an unexpected turn of events during the ICC World Cup final in Ahmedabad, a pro-Palestinian protester managed to breach security and invade the pitch, briefly halting play.
The incident took place in the 14th over of India’s innings, as the protester, donned in a face mask with the colors of the Palestinian flag and a T-shirt bearing the slogans “Stop Bombing Palestine” and “Free Palestine,” ran onto the field in the 132,000-seat mega-stadium.
The intruder targeted Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli, embracing him before security personnel promptly escorted him off the pitch.
The protester, later identified as John from Australia, claimed he entered the field to meet Kohli and expressed his support for Palestine. Remarkably, he was also carrying a rainbow flag.
Following the incident, a video shared by the Indian news agency ANI showed John being taken to the Chandkheda Police station. The disruption lasted only briefly, and play resumed promptly after the protester was removed.
It’s worth noting that the political backdrop of this incident stems from the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine. The protester’s attire and slogans reflected his stance against the Israeli actions in Palestine, referencing the recent events where Hamas launched an attack on Israel, leading to a series of hostilities resulting in casualties on both sides.
India, with a historical call for an independent Palestinian state, has condemned Hamas while providing aid to Palestinian civilians in Gaza.
The pitch invasion, though a rare occurrence in cricket, highlighted the protester’s determination to bring attention to the humanitarian crisis in the region, even in the midst of a high-profile sporting event.
