Apart from its picturesque landscapes, New Zealand is well-known for its rigorous customs regulations. An old video from the 2002-03 Indian cricket team’s tour to New Zealand has resurfaced, showcasing an awkward situation at the Auckland airport involving then-captain Sourav Ganguly and off-spinner Harbhajan Singh. The duo was fined $400 for carrying dirty shoes, violating New Zealand’s stringent biosecurity measures.
In the video, younger players like Parthiv Patel and Rahul Dravid smoothly passed through customs, while Ganguly and Harbhajan faced scrutiny. The Enforcement Officer accused Harbhajan of not accounting for all his cricket shoes, with some allegedly carrying mud and grass, posing a potential threat to New Zealand’s environment.
Harbhajan expressed frustration during the inspection, but the Indian team manager intervened, paying a $200 fine on his behalf. Ganguly also received a $200 fine, covered by the team management. New Zealand prioritizes biosecurity to safeguard its unique flora and fauna from foreign diseases and pests, making it known for its stringent customs regulations.
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