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.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Traffic fraud: Fake 'no-entry' sticker racket busted in Delhi, mastermind among 3 held
New Delhi (PTI): Police here have busted a crime syndicate involved in traffic fraud and extortion, arresting three people including the alleged mastermind who sold fake stickers to help commercial vehicles bypass no-entry restrictions, an official said on Saturday.
The police said they dismantled a third organised syndicate linked to traffic-related frauds, with the arrest of Rinku Rana alias Bhushan, his associate Sonu Sharma and Mukesh Kumar alias Pakodi, who was also connected to another extortion syndicate.
According to the police, Rinku Rana was running a well-organised network that facilitated the movement of commercial goods vehicles during restricted hours by selling fake 'marka' or stickers for Rs 2,000 to Rs 5,000 per vehicle every month. The stickers were falsely projected as authorisation to evade traffic challans.
During raids, the police recovered Rs 31 lakh in cash, property documents worth several crores of rupees, over 500 fake stickers and six mobile phones allegedly used to operate the syndicate.
The crackdown followed a complaint filed by a traffic police officer in April this year after a commercial vehicle tried to evade checking by producing a fake sticker claiming exemption from enforcement action.
Investigation revealed that social media groups were being used to coordinate the illegal movement of vehicles and alert drivers about traffic police checkpoints, police said.
"A parallel system was being run to cheat drivers and vehicle owners while undermining traffic enforcement. On the basis of evidence, provisions related to organised crime under the BNS were invoked," a senior police officer said.
Sonu Sharma, the police said, managed social media groups through which stickers were sold and real-time alerts were circulated regarding traffic police movement. He also acted as a link between Rana and drivers operating in the field.
In a related development, Mukesh Kumar alias Pakodi, an associate of Rajkumar alias Raju Meena, who was earlier arrested under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), was also apprehended.
Mukesh allegedly helped extort money from transporters and was involved in blackmailing traffic police personnel by recording enforcement actions, the police said.
Investigators alleged the syndicate led by Rajkumar deployed drivers to deliberately violate traffic rules and secretly record police officials during challans, later using manipulated videos to extort money under threat of false allegations.
The police said that in total, eight accused belonging to three different organised crime syndicates linked to traffic frauds and extortion have been arrested so far.
Further investigation is underway to trace the remaining members, conduct financial probes, and analyse digital evidence recovered during the raids, officials added.
