DHAKA, (Reuters) – West Indies’ bus was struck by stones thrown by Bangladesh fans after the co-hosts were heavily beaten in the Cricket World Cup Group B match yesterday.
“A couple of fans threw stones, two hit the window and it just broke. No one was hurt and we are safe,” the team spokesman said.
The crowd had reacted angrily earlier after their team were thrashed by nine wickets by the West Indies after scoring only 58 runs.
“The glass didn’t shatter. It just broke,” the spokesman continued. “They are back in the hotel.”
West Indies opener Chris Gayle tweeted from the bus: “Bangladesh stoning our bus!!! Freaking glass Break!!! This is crap, can’t believe … what next bullets!!!!
“This is ridiculous!!! Damn!!! W Cup with so many security an this happen!! Big Joke!!! Trust me I’m not keen here!!! … players lay flat!!!”
Bangladesh’s Elite force Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) later arrested 10 suspects for throwing stones at the bus, an official of Rab said.
Fans had dispersed by the evening, a police official told Reuters.
The incident occurred at an intersection about 400 metres away from the stadium.
An ICC spokesman said the episode did not result in any diversion.
“Both buses left the stadium together for the hotel. The police convoy was never halted and both buses reached the hotel safely with no injuries being reported,” he said.
NO ARREST
A Bangladesh police officer told Reuters that the fans had thought the bus was carrying the home team.
“We could not arrest anybody yet but will find out the culprits,” the police officer added.
“It was done out of frenzy and the fans are now back home. There is no problem on the street now. Out guest players (West Indies) have nothing to worry about.”
Bangladesh Cricket Board president Mostafa Kamal said: “I apologise for the incident and I will ensure that such things won’t be allowed to recur.”
After Bangladesh were skittled for their lowest ever one-day international score, angry fans tossed almost everything they could get their hands on — caps, placards, logos, even jerseys — to the outfield as a demonstration of their disappointment.
Elsewhere in the capital, fans chanted slogans against the players, burnt banners and team jerseys at Dhaka University campus and tossed shoes on the roads — which is a big insult in the sub-continent — through which Bangladesh players were being driven back to their hotel.
Frustration spilled out across the country, with many fans having travelled far to support the team.
“I feel myself as a fool when I think I waited hungry and sleepless under the open sky for three days to watch this match,” said Avijit Ghosh.
Kuala Lampur resident Al Amin, who came home to cheer on his team added: “I came to Dhaka just to see World Cup matches. But now I realised that watching their game is nothing but wastage of money and labour.”
