Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has strongly refuted reports alleging action against fans who booed or taunted Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya during the IPL 2024 clash against Rajasthan Royals at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Monday, April 1.
Previously, it was reported that the MCA would enhance security measures, monitoring the crowd closely during the match. According to the report, individuals caught booing or jeering Pandya would face ejection from the stadium.
Pandya has faced criticism since assuming the captaincy from Rohit Sharma. The 30-year-old all-rounder encountered hostile reception from spectators in Ahmedabad and Hyderabad, where he was continuously booed.
Contrary to the reports, the MCA asserted that there were no instructions to bolster security specifically to shield Pandya from jeers or to favour supporters of Rohit. They clarified that they would adhere to the guidelines outlined by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Mumbai Indians, after playing two away matches in Ahmedabad and Hyderabad, are set to play their first home game of IPL 2024. The five-time champions are yet to secure a win in the ongoing season, having suffered consecutive defeats against Gujarat Titans and Sunrisers Hyderabad.