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February 14, 2006
Posted by Andrew.Miller on 02/14/2006 in Crowd behaviour
A strange phenomenon took place on England’s recent tour of Pakistan. During the first Test at Multan, and replicated thereafter across the country, there were scores of home supporters dressing up in English replica kit and red-and-white face-paint, and cheering on the visiting team.
Pakistani fans have received a bad press in recent years, largely as a consequence of the unruly scenes during the 2001 NatWest Series in England, when makeshift barriers had to be erected to prevent their over-exuberant fans from storming the pitch. But place these same folk on their home patch, and they form the very model of hospitality.
Continue reading "A model of hospitality"
Comments (122)
February 13, 2006
Posted by Vaneisa Baksh on 02/13/2006 in Crowd behaviour
Introduction | Peter English | Rahul Bhattacharya | Neil Manthorp
I have watched a lot of cricket in the West Indies and have never seen anything that made me feel uncomfortable in spectators' behaviour. I might be wrong. I might have been too absorbed to discern. I don't know. I am not unaware of its existence but - especially in Trinidad, where there is no easy way to tell racial ancestry any more - there is little of that in the crowd.
Continue reading "Racism in the Caribbean...but not in the stands"
Comments (17)
February 10, 2006
Posted by Neil Manthorp on 02/10/2006 in Crowd behaviour
Introduction | Peter English | Rahul Bhattacharya
The taxi driver in Sydney was lost and the clock was ticking. He didn't know where the SCG was but he had set off anyway, meter ticking. Now he'd pulled over and was inspecting the map book.
Eventually we arrived - at the wrong end of the stadium but at least we were there - but the clock was ticking and there was much to be written. Not, unfortunately. about the Test match, but about the racist taunts that had continued to smear the tour.
Continue reading "Offensive naïvety"
Comments (61)
February 07, 2006
Posted by Rahul Bhattacharya on 02/07/2006 in Crowd behaviour
Introduction | Peter English
Update from Rahul, February 11
The Wasim Akram illustration in my post has attracted more pointed feedback than it was intended to, so perhaps it is best to elaborate.
First, the ICC (now headquartered in Dubai). Leave aside for a moment its shortcomings and look at the composition. It is presided over by a Pakistani, vice-presided over by a South African and its technical committee, which looks after almost all the cricketing aspects, is headed by an Indian. Its 10 permanent members include four Asian nations, two African nations and the West Indies.
Continue reading "Hit racism for six"
Comments (62)
February 05, 2006
Posted by Peter English on 02/05/2006 in Crowd behaviour
I find watching cricket from the stands is an awkward experience, and not because of the seats or the comfort of the press box. As a naïve child and teen the banter between the players and spectators seemed fun, but now when I’m in the crowd I spend it worrying about how the parents, children, pensioners and overseas visitors are enjoying their day. It started at the Gabba during the 1998-99 Ashes Test when I was at university and an elderly couple was regularly spilt with beer. We pretended not to see it and it was horrible – the damp grandparents and the lack of reaction.
Continue reading "It shouldn't be this uncomfortable"
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Posted by Will on 02/05/2006 in Crowd behaviour
Welcome to our third discussion and debate on Wicket to Wicket. After
deliberating Indian cricket and the use of technology in umpiring, we
turn our attention to the thorny subject of crowd behaviour.
Much has been said and written about the racist tone to the crowd behaviour at Australian grounds recently. South Africa have made an official complaint; Sri Lanka are unhappy about the way Muttiah Muralitharan has been treated; and the ICC are holding an investigation into the allegations.
Continue reading "Crowd behaviour in cricket"
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