Legends say Cuttack should be dropped

Legends say Cuttack should

be dropped

NEW DELHI (AP):

Serious crowd trouble that twice interrupted India's Twenty20 match against South Africa has sparked calls from former Test captains Sunil Gavaskar and Bishan Singh Bedi for Cuttack to be dropped as an international cricket venue.

"There has to be a deterrent. You cannot allow that to happen," Gavaskar told the NDTV news channel. "I'd imagine that the next time they are due for an international game, that should not be given to them. Quite clearly a strong message has to be sent."

Trouble started when India were bowled out for 92 on Monday, during the second game of a three-match series.

police struggled

Plastic bottles were hurled on to the field during the innings break and play was twice stopped for more than 20 minutes.

South Africa finally completed a six-wicket victory with 17 balls to spare as local police struggled to keep the crowd under control.

Bedi took to social media to say international cricket should only go to centres where the game is respected.

"Cuttack shames Crkt & Self. Guidelines fr crowd behavior need redefining by BCCI..International Crkt must go 2 people who respect the game!" Bedi posted on Twitter.