5 instances when teams had to face the anger of their own fans

Zimbabwean fans show their disappointment during the 2nd ODI (Image Credit: sportszone.co.zw)

Irrespective of the sport, every team loves to have a bunch of passionate fans who show unparalleled support for them. However, it can turn out to be a double-edged sword if the fans decide to display their anger over a disappointing performance from the team. Cricket, too, has had its fair share of instances where fans have vehemently protested against their own team due to underperformance.

The most recent incident occurred in Zimbabwe when local fans made their emotions known to the national cricket team as they capitulated to another humiliating ODI loss against a second-string Indian side. Not only did the supporters jeer their own team, they also held numerous placards which highlighted out how badly the Zimbabweans were playing.

Here are 5 infamous instances of teams having to face the wrath of their own fans:

5. Bangladeshi fans go on attacking spree during 2011 World Cup

Bangladesh cricket fans have earned the reputation of being fiercely passionate

Bangladesh didn't have a particularly memorable campaign in the 2011 World Cup as they were unable to qualify for the quarter-finals. They lost 3 out of their 6 matches in the group stage and ended up in the fifth position on the points table for their group.

Possibly their worst performance came during their match against West Indies, which was played at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur. The home side were blown away for a meagre 58 by the men from the Carribean, who proceeded to win the match by 9 wickets.

Post the match, their fans reportedly pelted stones at star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan's residence out of frustration and managed to break a window. In a fit of rage, they also threw pebbles at the West Indies team bus in a separate incident.

4. Pakistan fans go berserk after 2016 Asia Cup loss to India

Pakistan cricket fans show their frustration (Image Credit: tribune.com.pk)

This year, the Asia Cup underwent a major revamp as it was converted into a T20 tournament for the first time. Pakistan were scheduled to play their first match against India and everyone expected the match between the arch rivals to be a humdinger.

However, the Pakistani batsmen faltered badly and their innings folded up for 83 in 17.3 overs with Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya claiming 3 wickets. Despite this, the bowlers fought hard and a 3-wicket burst from pacer Mohammad Amir had India reeling at 8 for 3.

A composed knock of 49 from Virat Kohli, though, saw India through to victory by 5 wickets in the 16th over. The fans back in Pakistan did not take too kindly to their team's dismal loss and did all sorts of things to show their anger at the turn of events.

While some of them burnt effigies of the players, others shattered the screens of their TV sets with sticks.

3. Indian team shamed by home fans after poor 2007 ICC World Cup

Posters of Indian cricketers being painted black during the 2007 World Cup

One of India's worst performances in a World Cup came during the 2007 edition as they could not even make it past the group stage. The Indians got off to the worst possible starts in their campaign as they suffered a comprehensive loss to then minnows Bangladesh.

To make matters even worse, they lost their 2nd match to Sri Lanka which sealed their fate and sent them crashing out of the tournament. Although India scored 400-plus in their last group encounter against Bermuda and won convincingly, it was just a case of 'too little, too late'.

The Indian fans were obviously disappointed with the performance of the team which featured some of the top cricketing names in the country. They took to the streets, carrying out mock funeral processions of the cricketers and painting their faces on pictures black.

Due to the possibilities of an attack, security was increased outside the houses of some Indian team stars as well.

2. Fans arrange a mock funeral for Pakistan team during 2015 World Cup

The Pakistani fans were angered by the team’s huge defeat (Image Credit: NDTV)

The 2015 World Cup played in Australia and New Zealand turned out to be quite a mixed bag tournament for Pakistan. Even though they did manage to qualify for the quarters, it was not before they had suffered a couple of humiliating losses in the group stage.

Their most disastrous performance came during a match against West Indies where they lost by a gigantic margin of 150 runs. Having conceded 310 runs with the ball after deciding to field first, the batsmen failed to put up a fight as the Pakistanis were dismissed for 160.

The fans were already quite furious with the team for losing their match against India and their anger reached its boiling point with the loss to West Indies. In the city of Multan, the people held a mock funeral for which they used a coffin with several cricket bats placed on it.

Elsewhere in the country, too, people did different things to show their disgust over the events that had transpired on the cricket field.

1. Furore during India's 2003 World Cup campaign

Posters of Indian cricketers being burnt during the 2003 WC (Image Credit: foxsports.com.au)

The 2003 World Cup is remembered primarily for India's unbelievable run which saw them qualify for the final of the tournament played in South Africa. However, at one point, they were struggling badly as they suffered a demoralising loss at the hands of Australia in just their 2nd match.

The people were so enraged by the poor performance of Sourav Ganguly & Co that they publicly slammed the team by burning their posters and screaming out slogans against the team. Some of the fans even engaged in protests outside the houses of some Indian cricketers.

The situation got so bad that even the Prime Minister was called upon to restore calm among the angry fans. Eventually, it was Sachin Tendulkar's request to the fans asking them to believe in the team which calmed them down to some extent.

What followed was an awe-inspiring performance by the Indians which saw them win match after match to make it to the final where they lost to Australia again.

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Edited by Staff Editor