ICC World Cup 2019 | Indian player admits that lack of security for their privacy is a cause for concern
An unnamed player from the Indian squad has stated that though they don’t want to hurt the sentiments of the fans, there have been various security breaches violating their privacy and hence has made the team upset. Meanwhile, a source supported the statement saying stricter norms are necessary.
The ICC World Cup is one of the most watched sporting events in the world and the hype surrounding the game’s biggest tournament has always been breathtaking. While the passion of the fans is sometimes the difference between victory and defeat, at times insufficient control over them can also pose risks to a player’s health and privacy.
The match between continental rivals Afghanistan and Pakistan was full of unwanted ruckus in the stands, while the match between Afghanistan and England had seen sets of fans charging into the ground after breaking through the barriers not one but twice.
Considering India have one of the largest fan bases among all teams, maybe even bigger than that of the hosts, it has led to a considerable number of people being ready to go over the edge for the sake of their idols, thus posing risks to them at times. There have already been various incidents where fans have lined up near the hotels to take photographs and seek autographs from Indian players without prior consent. This has caused one of the players to reveal the same to India Today.Â
"We do realise that when we do well, people start recognising us and after a point they wish to click pictures with us or take an autograph. While nobody is questioning their intention, but we are also human and need our space. Even when we as kids would go for an autograph and if we were turned down we felt bad, but then, there are times when you are not in the mood to get clicked and that is when the fans get hurt and start being judgmental,” the player stated.
"They feel we have attitude issues, but that is really not the case. They must try and understand that we also have a personal life. Sometimes the fans even when told to wait for a picture or autograph seem to get restless and that creates an unwanted situation," he explained.
A source aware of the organizational proceedings spoke to IANS, echoing the player’s concerns
"As per the ICC regulations, security is needed to be invisible. But the exuberance surrounding the tournament is such that actual physical presence of security is the need of the hour considering the number of fans who are seen in and around the hotels where the Indian team stays," the source pointed.
