What is Boxing Day? Why is Boxing Day Test matches big deal? Here's all you need to know
Melbourne/Centurion: Cricket fans around the globe are reveling in the excitement of the Boxing Day Tests, a term familiar to many but often shrouded in mystery. Today, on the 26th of December 2023, two enthralling encounters are taking place as India faces off against South Africa at Centurion, while Pakistan locks horns with Australia in a compelling battle at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
Mystery of Boxing Day:
While cricket enthusiasts are well-acquainted with the term "Boxing Day Test," the significance of this cricketing tradition is not always clear. Originating in the United Kingdom, Boxing Day, observed on December 26th, is a public holiday in several Commonwealth nations, including Australia and South Africa. The term itself has historical roots, believed to be linked to the tradition of giving boxes or gifts to servants and tradespeople on the day after Christmas as a token of appreciation for their year-round services.
The Dual Showdown: India vs. South Africa and Pakistan vs. Australia:
On this Boxing Day, cricket fans are treated to a double delight with two riveting Test matches unfolding simultaneously. India is battling South Africa at Centurion, where the cricketing titans are showcasing their skills in a contest that promises high stakes and intense competition.
Why Boxing Day Tests are a Big Deal:
The Boxing Day Test holds a special place in the hearts of cricket enthusiasts for several reasons:
Tradition: The Boxing Day Test has a long-standing tradition in Australian cricket, dating back to 1950. It is an integral part of the cricketing calendar and has become a significant annual event for both players and fans.
Holiday Tradition: Boxing Day itself is a public holiday in Australia, and many people have the day off. The Test match provides an opportunity for families and cricket enthusiasts to come together, enjoy the game, and extend the holiday celebrations.
Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG): The Boxing Day Test is traditionally held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), one of the most iconic and largest cricket stadiums in the world. The MCG has a capacity to host a massive crowd, and the atmosphere during the Boxing Day Test is often electric.
Global Audience: The Boxing Day Test typically attracts a global audience due to its historical significance and the quality of cricket played. Cricket fans around the world tune in to watch this particular Test match, making it a showcase event for Australian cricket.
Start of the Australian Summer: The Boxing Day Test marks the beginning of the Australian cricket summer. It sets the tone for the Test series and provides an opportunity for players to showcase their skills in the longer format of the game.
Historical Moments: Over the years, the Boxing Day Test has witnessed many memorable and historic moments in cricket. Iconic performances and records set during these matches contribute to the Test's prestige.
Festive Atmosphere: The holiday season and the festive atmosphere contribute to the popularity of the Boxing Day Test. It's not just about cricket; it's about the experience of being part of a special occasion during the holiday season.
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Strict security measures in place in Mumbai for Messi's events at 2 venues Dec 14, say police
Mumbai (PTI): In view of Argentine superstar footballer Lionel Messi's visit to Mumbai on Sunday, the city police are implementing stringent security measures, like not allowing water bottles, metals, coins inside the stadiums and setting up watchtowers to keep an eye on the crowd, officials said.
The police also said taking extra care to avoid any stampede-like situation and to prevent recurrence of the chaotic situation that unfolded in Kolkata during Messi's visit on Saturday as thousands of fans protested inside the Salt Lake stadium here after failing to catch a clear glimpse of the football icon despite paying hefty sums for tickets.
Messi is expected to be present at the Cricket Club of India (Brabourne Stadium) in Mumbai on Sunday for a Padel GOAT Cup event followed by attending a celebrity football match. He is expected to proceed to the Wankhede Stadium for the GOAT India Tour main event around 5 pm.
"In view of Lionel Messi's visit to Mumbai, the police are geared up and have put in place a high level of security arrangements in and around the stadiums located in south Mumbai. Considering the chaos that prevailed in Kolkata and the security breach, we have deployed World Cup-level security arrangements at Brabourne and Wankhede stadiums," an official said.
Expecting heavy crowd near the stadiums during Messi's visit, the city police force has deployed more than 2,000 of its personnel near and around both the venues, he said.
As the Mumbai police have the experience of security 'bandobast' during the victory parade of ICC World Cup-winning Indian team and World Cup final match at the Wankhede Stadium, in which over one lakh cricket fans had gathered, we are prepared to handle a large crowd of fans, he said.
"We are trying to avoid the errors that occurred in the past," the official said.
There is no place to sneak inside the stadiums in Mumbai like the Kolkata stadium, according to him.
The police are also asking the organisers to provide all the required facilities to the fans inside the stadium, so that there will be no chaos, he said, adding the spectators have purchased tickets in the range of Rs 5,000 to 25,000. After paying so much of amount, any spectator expects proper services, while enjoying the event, he said.
The police are expecting 33,000 spectators at the Wankhede Stadium and over 4,000 at Brabourne Stadium. Besides this, more than 30,000 people are expected outside and around the stadiums just to have a glimpse of the football sensation, he said.
The organisers responsible for Messi's India visit recently came to Mumbai to discuss security arrangements. During the meeting, the Mumbai police asked them not to take the event lightly, according to the official.
After those requirements were fulfilled, the final security deployment was chalked out, he said.
Police has the standard procedure of the security arrangements inside the Wankhede Stadium, where people are barred from taking water bottles, metals objects, coins. Police are setting up watch towers near the stadiums and there will be traffic diversions, so that there is maximum space available to stand, according to the official.
Police are also appealing to the spectators to use public transport service for commuting and avoid personal vehicles to reach south Mumbai.
To avoid any stampede-like situation, police are also taking precautionary measures and will stop the fans some distance ahead of the stadium and public announcement systems will be used to guide the crowd. Barricades will be placed at various places to manage the crowd.
In case the crowd swells up beyond expectation, the police will divert people to other grounds and preparations in this regard underway, he said.
Additional police force has been deployed in south Mumbai to tackle any kind of situation, he said.
