ICC World Twenty20: ‘No entry’ for this globetrotting sports fan

Om Prakash Mundra is an exceptional Indian cricket fan. He has travelled to over 70 countries and attended 11 World Cups including football. On Saturday, the veteran from Nagpur — who came to Eden Gardens for the ICC World Twenty20 fixture between India and Pakistan — faced harassment from local police. The cops did not like Mundra’s tricolour attire. He was asked to take off his tunic and tricolour turban, at the entrance of the BC Roy Clubhouse. “I didn’t realise such a situation would arise. I have been travelling around the world since 1982,” said Mundra, accompanied by his family.

The cop on duty, however, said: “These kind of things are sensitive, we can’t allow it.”

Despite an impressive curriculum vitae as a sports fan, Mundra could not argue with the personnel on duty.

“I have lived an economical life, saved money to watch sports. I have also attended Fifa World Cup and Olympics,” he told this correspondent after the conversation with police.