In 1975, Ramji Dharod calmed down a mob that was set to destroy the Wankhede pitch because a fan was brutally beaten up by police. The peacemaker couldn't get a ticket despite given some hope
In 1975, Ramji Dharod calmed down a mob that was set to destroy the Wankhede pitch because a fan was brutally beaten up by police. The peacemaker couldn't get a ticket despite given some hope
The glamour quotient in cricket is not bad for the game, but the math goes haywire when so many famous faces flash on your television set in a scenario where only 4000 tickets were made available for the public (yes, public who have to buy tickets with no contacts in Mumbai Cricket Association and its affiliated clubs).
Clearly, the Wankhede Stadium is fast becoming detached from the public although it is the clubs make up the MCA and not the public. And while the Stadium makes for a wondrous sight, the fact is that the 33,317 capacity is a disgrace for a stadium in the home of Indian cricket.
Several luminaries were seen on television during Saturday's India vs Sri Lanka World Cup final, but there was one 'star' who didn't make it to the Wankhede Stadium although there were hopes of him getting a ticket. His name: Ramji Dharod (71), a former Sunder Cricket Club and Dena Bank swing bowler.
In January 1975, Wankhede hosted its first Test match (India vs West Indies) after the MCA's dispute with the Cricket Club of India over seats. On the second day of the Test, West Indies captain Clive Lloyd cracked a superlative 242. When he reached 200, a young man ran on the pitch to congratulate him. The police beat up the spectator reportedly in brutal fashion which led to a riot.
Dharod, a club player then, was seated below the Garware Pavilion when the trouble started. He noticed another mob starting their run to the middle and wanted to stop them.
"I was deeply concerned so I jumped over the picket fences and ran towards them to calm them down. I pleaded with them not to damage the pitch as the BCA's (Bombay Cricket Association) reputation was at stake," said Dharod, 71, who had earlier requested a MCA committee member to join him in the middle, but discovered he had had one bottle of beer a too many.
"After all, it took great work to build this stadium. They were furious that a fellow spectator had been beaten up so badly. I sympathised with them and convinced them not to damage the pitch. They listened to me and sat down at the side of the pitch before making their way home later in the evening.
"Another official by the name of Bhagwat joined me after entering the ground from another gate. I'm glad the crowd did not damage the wicket that day and the Test match could resume the next day," said Dharod, who risked getting caned by the cops who might have viewed as an intruder.
Last week, when this newspaper suggested to Prof Ratnakar Shetty, the MCA's Honorary Treasurer and World Cup Tournament Director, to reward Dharod for his 1975 gesture with a complimentary ticket, he expressed interest in trying to organise a pass. However, Shetty was unavailable thereafter.
"Receiving a complimentary would have been nice, but I am not too disappointed. Having assisted the MCA with ticket-related activities in the past, I can understand the demand for passes. I remember when I was stationed in Manmad and wanted to witness the 1987 World Cup semi-final, the MCA granted me a pass. I was eternally grateful then."
