IPL 2024: Fan who breached security to meet MS Dhoni, arrested

A 21-year-old college student found himself in hot water after a daring stunt during an IPL match at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad landed him in police custody.

The incident occurred during the clash between Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Titans on Friday night. Despite tight security measures, the young fan managed to sneak onto the field in a bid to meet his cricketing idol, MS Dhoni.

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Authorities swiftly apprehended the intruder, identified as Jaykumar Jani, a resident of Rabarika village in Bhavnagar district. Assistant Commissioner of Police DV Rana confirmed Jani's arrest under section 447 (criminal trespass) of the IPC.

Jani, a self-proclaimed Dhoni fan, confessed to his motive, stating his desire to meet the legendary cricketer. In a video circulating on social media, Jani is seen bowing at Dhoni's feet and embracing him before being escorted off the field by security personnel.

According to Rana, Jani and his brother Parth had travelled from Bhavnagar to witness the match. Taking advantage of a DRS break, Jani breached the barricades and sprinted towards the pitch, only to be intercepted and detained by security.

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"Jani and his brother Parth travelled from Bhavnagar to watch the match. During a DRS (decision review system) break, Jani first jumped the metal barricades near the black screen and ran towards the pitch. He was quickly apprehended and taken to Chandkheda police station," Rana said, as quoted by Times of India.

The recent incident marks the second security breach at the Narendra Modi Stadium within a span of six months. In November 2023, Wayne Johnson, an Australian individual of Chinese-Filipino descent, managed to penetrate the security perimeter, making his way onto the field during the highly anticipated World Cup final clash between India and Australia. Johnson's intention was to embrace Virat Kohli, a cricketing icon revered by many, in a gesture of admiration and fandom. However, his unauthorized entry drew attention to lapses in security protocols and raised concerns about the effectiveness of crowd control measures at major sporting venues.