The Test was initially scheduled to be the third and final match of the series between India and Pakistan. However, it was later designated as the opening match of the inaugural Asian Test Championship.
Pakistan had set a daunting target of 279 for India. The Indian team had a strong start, reaching 143 for the loss of two wickets. However, an unfortunate incident occurred on the fourth afternoon of the match, which marred the spirit of the game.
Sachin runout controversy
Sachin Tendulkar had scored 7 runs when he played a shot off Wasim Akram towards deep midwicket. He completed two runs, achieving the milestone of 5000 Test runs, and attempted a third. However, substitute fielder Nadeem Khan threw the ball from the deep, hitting the stumps directly.
Under normal circumstances, it would have been an easy third run, even with the direct hit. But as Tendulkar was running, he collided with Shoaib Akhtar, who was positioned near the stumps to collect the throw. As a result of the collision, Tendulkar ended up outside his crease, although he might have been just inside at the moment of impact.
The on-field umpire, Steve Bucknor, referred the decision to the third umpire, KT Francis. After a prolonged deliberation, Francis declared Tendulkar out. Notably, this series marked the first instance where all officials were neutral.
SACHIN TENDULKAR – THE RUNOUT THAT TRIGGERED A HUGE RIOT AND EMPTIED AN ENTIRE STADIUM!!
The third umpire reviewed the footage, and despite the crowd’s disbelief, Tendulkar was given out. The dismissal was legal under the laws of cricket, but the circumstances were seen by many Indian fans as unfair, as it was clear the collision had slowed Tendulkar down.
The crowd at Eden Gardens erupted in anger. Boos filled the stadium, and tensions boiled over. Some spectators even resorted to throwing objects onto the field, halting the game. Security forces had to intervene, and the situation grew so intense that police were deployed to clear the stands.
Tendulkar’s departure had ignited not just disappointment but fury among the fans, as they believed India’s greatest hope had been unfairly removed from the game.
After a period of uncertainty, the umpires decided to escort the players off the field, signaling an early break for tea. It was solely due to the heartfelt appeals made by Tendulkar and the ICC president, Jagmohan Dalmiya, that the game was given the green light to proceed.
After the interruption, the match continued in an eerie atmosphere. India’s batting lineup struggled without Tendulkar, and Pakistan went on to win the Test by 46 runs.
