Serial pitch invader Jarvo’s return infuriates entire nation

A British prankster’s pitch invading return at Cricket World Cup hosts India’s first match of the tournament has left an entire nation seeing red.

The world’s most famous pitch invader has made his unwanted return to the international sporting field, running onto the field ahead of Australia and India’s clash at the Cricket World Cup.

The highly anticipated clash between the traditional cricket rivals has had the unwelcome interruption from British serial pest Daniel Jarvis, better known as Jarvo.

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Jarvo came to prominence when he interrupted several international sporting events by running onto the field posing as a member of the team.

Jarvo previously ran on during the Lord’s Test in 2021 wearing Indian whites before he was taken from the field.

He also got on the field wearing Jacksonville Jaguars colours in a London NFL match, lined up as an All Black and also posed as a Japanese rugby player.

But he’s apparently in India at the moment, having run onto the field wearing Indian colours before he was once again removed.

Virat Kohli shared some words with the prankster before he was removed from the field by security.

The social media reaction found the lighter side of the situation.

#IndianCricketTeam IND vs AUS | Jarvo enters the field again.

KL Rahul shows his exit gate!#ViratKohli𓃵#WorldCup2023#INDvsAUS | #HardikPandya | Adam Zampa | #IndianCricketTeam#IndiaVsAustralia#CheerForGreatness#BCCI#WorldCupOnDD#Chennaipic.twitter.com/Vi4g9sJhl4

— Sarfuddin (@Sarfudd39591674) October 8, 2023

Nice to see Jarvo here, welcome to India man 😊#INDvAUS#WorldCup2023#ViratKohli𓃵#CWC23pic.twitter.com/asjMoxVh0D

— Rudhra Nandu (@rudhranandu) October 8, 2023

Jarvo just keeps coming back 😂#INDvsAUSpic.twitter.com/7Gw1JP9qN4

— Roshan Rai (@RoshanKrRaii) October 8, 2023

A Cameo no-one expected today 😂😆

Jarvo is back ❤️#INDvsAUSpic.twitter.com/z5G9g8XVdi

— Radoo🌶️ (@Chandan_radoo) October 8, 2023

Virat Kohli intervened. Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

Security escort Jarvo off. Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

But the incident also shows exposes a darker side since Pakistani fans and journalists have largely been locked out of the tournament so far.

Cricinfo reported that around 60 Pakistani journalists are believed to want to make the trip to India for the tournament but that there has been a delay in visa clearance for fans and media.

“This (visa) is an obligation of our host (BCCI) and they are working hard on it with our full support. Every effort is being made to get this sorted,” an ICC spokesperson told PTI.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) are hoping the situation can be resolved before the game between Pakistan and India at Ahmedabad on October 14.

India and Pakistan have a largely hostile relationship and the border between the countries is one of the most militarised in the world.

Since the partition of India and Pakistan in 1947, the nations have fought three major wars diplomatic relations have remained largely frosty.

Obviously there is plenty more complexity to the situation, which includes cross-border terrorism, but the cold relations have extended onto the cricket field.

For example, Pakistani players have not participated in the Indian Premier League since the inaugural season.

Which makes the fact that Jarvo has received a visa all the more galling to Pakistan cricket stakeholders.

Wisden managing editor Ben Gardner tweeted: “How has Jarvo managed to get a visa when not a single Pakistani journalist has one?”

Editor of PakPassion.net Saj Sadiq wrote: “Jarvo gets a visa for the World Cup, but Pakistani fans cannot.”

Pakistan defeated the Netherlands in front of 8196 fans in the 55,000 seat Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium. Photo by Noah SEELAM / AFP

The Pakistan players have praised the welcome they’ve received in India with Mohammad Rizwan saying: “If you see how we were greeted when we arrived and came out of the airport and heard the roar outside — we felt as if we had returned to Karachi or Lahore after winning the World Cup.”

He added: “It is something we will remember forever and we hope that we will give even more love to the Indian team when they come to Pakistan.”

The last time India visited Pakistan was in 2008 for the Asia Cup, the last series in 2006 before the 2008 Mumbai attacks brought Indian tours to Pakistan to an end.

Pakistan captain Babar Azam added: “We don’t feel like we’re in India, we feel like we’re at home.”

The PCB hit out at the delay, claiming the ICC and India have had plenty of time to fix the issue.

“We have been reminding ICC about their obligations and members’ agreement on issuing visas for fans and journalists for the last three years and continue to raise concerns with all relevant authorities,” a PCB spokesperson said.

“PCB is disappointed to see that Pakistani journalists and fans are facing uncertainty about obtaining an Indian visa to cover Pakistan’s opening game in the ICC World Cup. We understand the significant role that journalists and passionate fans play in enhancing the spirit and atmosphere of sports events.

“Their presence not only adds vibrancy to the stadium but also contributes to the global coverage and appreciation of the game. We hope to see their presence soon.”