Guwahati: The Australian cricket team had a security scare after the second T20 International against India here Tuesday night when the team bus was damaged in a stone- throwing incident. Investigating the matter the police here has nabbed a couple of suspects.
A window pane of the Australian team bus was damaged in the attack which took place after the game while the players were returning to the hotel. No player was injured as the nearest seat to the damaged window pane was unoccupied.
But the incident raised a question mark on the Assam Cricket Association (ACA) and state police’s security arrangements for the match at the newly-constructed stadium in Barsapara.
“Really unfortunate incident after a great game aimed to tarnish Guwahati’s reputation as emerging sports hub. We strongly condemn it. Our deep apology. People of Assam never endorse such behaviour. We will punish the guilty,” Assam Chief Minister Sarbanada Sonowal tweeted.
“Vow to take strictest action against the culprits. Investigation is on full swing and Police have already picked up a couple,” he added.
Senior batsman Aaron Finch was the first to post a photograph of the damaged window pane on his twitter account, admitting that the players were scared.
“Pretty scary having a rock thrown through the team bus window on the way back to the hotel!!” Finch posted on his official twitter handle.
Union Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore also reacted sharply, saying that security of visiting players is extremely important.
“Guwahati stone-throwing incident NOT reflective of our security measures. Aus team & FIFA are content w/those. India remains a graceful host,” Rathore posted on his twitter account.
Senior India player Ravichandran Ashwin condemned the act, urging fans to show more responsibility. “The stone thrown at the Aussie team bus shows us in bad light, let’s all act more responsibly. A vast majority of us are capable of that,” Ashwin tweeted.
