The 1999 Kolkata Test between India and Pakistan remains etched in cricket history as one of the most iconic and controversial matches ever played. The incident that marred the spirit of the game was the controversial run-out of Indian batting legend Sachin Tendulkar, involving Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar.
The Test, initially scheduled as the series finale, was designated as the opening match of the inaugural Asian Test Championship. Pakistan set a daunting target of 279 for India, who made a promising start, reaching 143/2. However, the fourth afternoon witnessed an unfortunate incident that overshadowed the match.
Tendulkar, batting on 7, played a shot towards deep midwicket and completed two runs, reaching the milestone of 5000 Test runs. As he attempted a third run, substitute fielder Nadeem Khan’s direct hit found the stumps. Under normal circumstances, it would have been an easy third run, but Tendulkar collided with Akhtar, who was positioned near the stumps.
The collision forced Tendulkar outside his crease, and despite replays suggesting he might have been inside at the moment of impact, on-field umpire Steve Bucknor referred the decision to third umpire KT Francis. After a lengthy deliberation, Francis declared Tendulkar out, a decision that sparked outrage among Indian fans.
The crowd at Eden Gardens erupted in anger, throwing objects onto the field and halting the game. Security forces intervened, and police were deployed to clear the stands. Tendulkar’s dismissal ignited fury among the fans, who felt their greatest hope had been unfairly removed.
After a period of uncertainty, the umpires escorted the players off the field for an early tea break. It was only due to the appeals of Tendulkar and ICC president Jagmohan Dalmiya that the game resumed.
The match continued in an eerie atmosphere, with India’s batting lineup struggling without Tendulkar. Pakistan eventually won the Test by 46 runs, but the controversy surrounding Tendulkar’s run-out overshadowed the result.
