A memorable occasion

Watching a live cricket match is always an exhilarating experience, especially when it features legendary players. I recently had the opportunity to witness the final of the Legends Cricket League at Bakshi Stadium, Srinagar, where two formidable teams, the Southern Super Stars (SSS) and Konark Suryas Odisha (KSO), faced off in a thrilling contest. The excitement of being part of a live sporting event with thousands of passionate spectators was unmatched, but unfortunately, my experience was marred by administrative failures and unruly behaviour from some fans, turning what should have been a memorable occasion into a rather stressful ordeal.

The trouble started right from the beginning. Having purchased my tickets online, I expected a seamless entry into the stadium. However, despite the availability of electronic devices to verify tickets through QR codes, the organizers unexpectedly decided to switch to manual ticketing at the last minute. This sudden change led to long queues of frustrated spectators, including myself, who had to endure hours of waiting to get their tickets exchanged. As a result, we missed several overs of the match.

The disorganization caused widespread frustration and disappointment, with some unlucky fans missing the entire game. To their credit, the security personnel remained composed and did their best to manage the situation despite difficulties. Once we finally secured our tickets, entering the stadium presented a new challenge. Thousands of eager spectators were packed at the gates, creating a dangerous situation as people pushed and shoved in their desperation to get inside. I was with my 12-year-old son, and there were moments when I genuinely feared for our safety. The crowd became aggressive at times, and it was a struggle to maintain our footing. The lack of proper crowd control only exacerbated the problem, making it a terrifying experience that neither my son nor I will ever forget.

After we made it inside, yet another wave of disorder unfolded. A group of young spectators, overwhelmed by excitement, violated the rules by entering the ground to express their admiration for their favourite cricketers. While it is understandable to feel passionately about sports, such behaviour was both hazardous and disruptive. It not only caused inconvenience to other spectators but also raised serious security concerns for the players and umpires, who at times appeared visibly uneasy with the chaotic crowd.

Despite all the commotion, the match itself was an absolute spectacle. SSS, led by Masakadza’s brilliant knock of over 80 runs, set a challenging target of 164 for KSO. In response, Yousuf Pathan played a blistering innings, scoring 85 runs off just 38 balls, bringing his team tantalizingly close to victory. As the match reached a nail-biting climax, KSO needed only 7 runs from the final 6 balls with Pathan still at the crease. However, SSS kept their composure and managed to restrict KSO to just 6 runs, forcing a super over. The tension reached new heights in the super over. Pathan hit a six and Levi added a four, setting a target of 14 runs for SSS. But it was the legendary Martin Guptill who stole the show for SSS, smashing two sixes off the first two balls and securing a dramatic victory for his team. The stadium erupted in jubilation as SSS emerged victorious in one of the most thrilling finals I have ever witnessed.

While the cricket itself was extraordinary, with 27,331 fans cheering as legends of the game showcased their skills, the administrative chaos and crowd misbehaviour left a lasting disappointment. What should have been a day to celebrate sportsmanship and joy was tainted by long queues, safety concerns, and the disrespectful conduct of a section of the audience. My son and I will remember the day, not only for the thrilling cricket but also for the disarray and incivility we encountered. It is imperative that the authorities take these issues seriously and ensure that future events are better organized and safer for all involved. As a cricket fan, I hope that the next match we attend will be remembered for the brilliance on the field, not the disorder off it.

Dr. Mohammad Amin Dar, Associate Professor, Department of Education, University of Kashmir