In the world, cricket is one of the most interesting and famous games. The cricketers are respected in every part of the world. Now, cricketers are famous everywhere. They got some best hospitalities everywhere. But the story was not the same even before a few years. An old video of Indian players paying a fine at the Auckland Airport. That grabbed the attention.
What Happened in the Video:
In a throwback to the 2002-03 Indian cricket team’s tour to New Zealand, a resurfaced video sheds light on an amusing yet challenging incident at Auckland airport. Former captain Sourav Ganguly and off-spinner Harbhajan Singh found themselves in a tight spot due to New Zealand’s strict biosecurity regulations. The picturesque landscapes of New Zealand weren’t the only highlight as Ganguly and Harbhajan faced a $400 fine for carrying dirty shoes, breaching the country’s biosecurity measures.
The video showcases a smooth customs clearance for young players Parthiv Patel and Rahul Dravid, contrasting with the predicament of Ganguly and Harbhajan. Tony Davys, the then MAF Enforcement Officer, raised concerns about Harbhajan’s unaccounted-for cricket shoes, creating suspicions. Upon inspection, some of the shoes were found with mud and grass, posing a potential threat to New Zealand’s environment.
This incident, although humorous in retrospect, highlights the importance of adhering to biosecurity regulations, even for cricket stars, in a country renowned for its stunning landscapes and strict customs protocols.
New Zealand’s Tight Security and Player’s Reaction:
New Zealand prioritizes biosecurity to safeguard its distinct flora and fauna from potential threats like foreign diseases and pests. Rigorous regulations are in place to ensure that no external items pose a risk to the local ecosystem. During the 2002-03 Indian cricket team’s tour, off-spinner Harbhajan Singh’s boots became a focal point at the Auckland airport due to these stringent measures.
Harbhajan’s cricket boots were subject to a meticulous cleaning process to meet New Zealand’s biosecurity standards. Visibly frustrated during the inspection, Harbhajan faced a $200 fine for the presence of mud and grass on his boots, which could potentially endanger the country’s environment. To resolve the situation, the Indian team manager stepped in, covering Harbhajan’s fine.
In a similar vein, Sourav Ganguly, who declared only his cricket spikes and not his trainers, also received a $200 fine. The team management intervened once again, taking responsibility for Ganguly’s fine. This incident highlights the seriousness of New Zealand’s biosecurity protocols and the team’s commitment to adhering to local regulations during their overseas tours.
Stay updated with all the cricketing action, follow Cricadium on Whatsapp, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
