When India's World Cup Heroes Met a Hostile Crowd in Srinagar

A Hostile Reception

Barely 110 days after winning the 1983 World Cup, India's cricket team faced unexpected hostility from spectators during a match against the West Indies in Srinagar. Playing at the Sher-i-Kashmir stadium on October 13, 1983, players encountered anti-Indian slogans, pro-Pakistan chants, and placards supporting former Pakistani captain Imran Khan. Debris including bottles, stones, and an apple was thrown at the team from the stands.

Pitch Vandalism And Evacuation

During a lunch break, twelve men were arrested for digging up the pitch. Those arrested included Showkat Bakshi and Shabir Shah, and a court eventually acquitted all twelve in 2011 due to a lack of evidence. Following the vandalism, the Army intervened, escorted the players back to their hotel in an armoured vehicle, and later transported them out using an Army plane.

Player Memories

Kirti Azad recalled that the experience made him feel as though he was playing in Pakistan. Dilip Vengsarkar described it as the most forgettable match of his career, noting the crowd backed the West Indies throughout. Sunil Gavaskar expressed surprise in his book *Runs 'n Ruins* over the pro-Pakistan slogans during a match against the West Indies. Michael Holding also noted the presence of Pakistani flags and people shouting Imran Khan's name. On the field, India was bowled out for 176 before a dust storm ended the game with the West Indies at 108 for no loss.

Context

Sporting events have occasionally served as platforms for political protests and public demonstrations in regions experiencing civil unrest. The match marked the first international cricket fixture hosted at Srinagar's Sher-i-Kashmir stadium. Decades later, former players note that the security and general atmosphere in the region have improved significantly.