“Karma is real:” Pakistani fans mock BCCI over floodlight failure during Ind vs Eng 2nd ODI in Cuttack

The rivalry between Indian and Pakistani cricket fans transcended the playing fields, now spilling over into online clashes. Recently, Indian cricket enthusiasts called for a boycott of cricket in Pakistan, alleging that New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra suffered an injury due to the “cheap quality” floodlights at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium. However, the very next day, the second ODI between India and England was halted midway due to a malfunctioning floodlight at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack.

During a tri-series ODI match between Pakistan and New Zealand on Saturday at the newly inaugurated Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, New Zealand batter Rachin Ravindra was fielding when a ball struck his head while attempting a boundary catch.

Ravindra immediately collapsed, suffering a forehead laceration. He was promptly given medical attention and left the field for treatment.

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According to sources, Ravindra is reportedly recovering well but will miss the ODI against South Africa.

While injuries like Ravindra’s are not uncommon in cricket, especially when fielders take boundary catches, Indian fans used the incident to criticise the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), even calling for the shift of the Champions Trophy away from Pakistan.

“This is life-threatening. Players should boycott playing here,” one Indian account wrote on X.

In response, others schooled the Indian cricket enthusiasts, stating that the light towers at Gaddafi Stadium stand 70 feet high and cannot be the cause of Ravindra’s injury, as he lost the catch against the backdrop of the floodlights.

While Indian fans continued their criticism of PCB’s inefficiency in hosting international matches, karma seemed to play its part. Despite the lack of logic behind Ravindra’s injury being attributed to light issues, the second ODI between England and India was also halted when the floodlights malfunctioned during the game.

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Pakistani fans were quick to point out the irony and shame BCCI for its criticism of Pakistan while failing to resolve their own stadium issues.

“We have our faults and shortcomings, but you’re not perfect either. So stop pushing agendas and spreading hate,” sports journalist Faizan Lakhani wrote.

“Only if all these people put the same effort into improving their own stadiums first. Their obsession with Pakistan is unhealthy and downright toxic,” another Pakistani fan commented.

In the face of the embarrassment, Indian fans began criticising their own board for the oversight and lack of effective arrangements in the stadium, “despite being the richest cricket board.”