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The second Test match between India and Bangladesh at the Green Park Stadium in Kanpur witnessed an unusual incident involving a Bangladeshi cricket fan, known as Roby, who had to be hospitalized. Initially, reports circulated suggesting that Roby had been involved in a physical altercation, with claims that he was punched in the abdomen during the incident. Roby, a self-proclaimed super fan who is a regular at Bangladesh's matches, is known for his distinctive attire, often donning a tiger costume. He was situated in stand C of the stadium when the incident occurred, requiring him to be carried out of the stadium in a distressed state.
However, subsequent statements issued by Roby from his hospital bed revealed a different story. In a short video clip, he clarified that he had merely fallen ill and received necessary assistance from the local police. Roby confirmed his identity and nationality in the video, assuring viewers that he was feeling much better. His statement contradicted earlier reports, suggesting that he had not been assaulted as initially reported.
Adding to the clarification, Abhishek Pandey, the ACP (Kalyanpur), provided further details. He confirmed that Roby had received immediate medical attention after he suddenly fell ill during the Test match. The officer emphasized that there was no evidence to support the assault claims, stating that the initial reports were baseless. Pandey explained that Roby might have experienced a fall, leading to his discomfort. Local police officials attached a liaison officer to Roby to ensure he received continued support and assistance while recovering in the hospital.
An Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association official also corroborated the authorities' accounts. The official mentioned that Roby was struggling to communicate his experience clearly when he was initially removed from the stands. He appeared to be in pain and fainted, requiring a chair to sit down. However, the official's statement supported the notion that Roby's distress was primarily due to an illness, not an assault.
The incident occurred on the opening day of the Test match, which was unfortunately cut short due to rain. Bangladesh were batting at 107/3 when the game was suspended, having already lost the first match of the series by an innings and 280 runs. While the incident involving Roby overshadowed some of the on-field action, the focus quickly shifted towards ensuring his well-being. It's a reminder that even in the midst of sporting events, health and safety remain paramount, and prompt medical attention is crucial.
Source: "I Fell...": Bangladesh Super Fan Changes Tune Amid Assault Row During Kanpur Test