OTD in 1999: Sachin Tendulkar’s run-out creates a riot, 65,000 fans removed from Eden Gardens

On February 19, 1999, Sachin Tendulkar’s run-out against Pakistan created a massive controversy as a riot broke out at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. During the first three days of the Test, no major incident had occurred as India were poised for victory. Pakistan were reduced to 26/6 at one stage but Moin Khan’s 70 helped the visitors post a respectable total of 185 runs in the first innings.

In reply, India made 223 runs, taking a lead of 38 runs in Kolkata. Opener Sadagoppan Ramesh played well as he top-scored with 79 runs in India’s first innings with the bat. However, the crowd in Kolkata wasn’t elated as Sachin Tendulkar was bowled by Shoaib Akhtar for a first-ball duck.

When it came to the second innings, Saeed Anwar stole the show. The flamboyant southpaw made 188* as Pakistan posted a massive total of 316 runs. Mohammad Yousuf supported him well with 56 runs as the visitors seemed to be in control of the match.

However, the controversy broke out during India’s chase. The openers gave a good start but India lost two back-to-back wickets, which complicated the scenario. On top of that, Sachin Tendulkar’s run-out added fuel to the fire as the fans turned ugly in Kolkata.

The legendary cricketer was batting on seven and gently pushed the ball against Wasim Akram to pick up a double and complete his 5000 runs in Test cricket. However, Tendulkar decided to run for a third when substitute Nadeem Khan’s direct hit from the deep got the better of him. While running for the third, Tendulkar collided with Shoaib Akhtar and fell on the ground and as a result, fell short of his ground.

Here’s the video of the Sachin Tendulkar runout and the riot that followed:  

On-field umpire Steve Bucknor referred to the third umpire KT Francis, who, after a long delay, deemed Tendulkar out. The crowd in Kolkata lost their calm with the decision and immediately started protesting. So much so, that the match was halted for three hours. An early tea was called on Day 4 as the police tried to take control of the situation.

Stones were thrown on the field, newspapers were burned, and abusive language was used as the police were forced to push out the spectators to restart the match.