5 instances when the gentleman's game was marred by fan violence

2) Premadasa Stadium, 2015

Fan clashes between Pakistani and Sri Lankan spectators caused the match to be called off

This was an instance when the violence actually interrupted the game and the disturbance continued even as the unruly mob were ejected from the stadium. The R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo was the location for the ODI match in the series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka in June 2015 and in the thirty-fourth over of the match, the brawl began to take shape.

Initially beginning on the upper tier stands in the south-eastern section of the stadium when fans began attacking each other, the incident took an ugly turn after a stone was thrown into the field. The initial disturbances were quelled by the police staff present in the stadium. The unruly elements were asked to leave.

This, however, provided no respite as the stubborn fans carried on their disagreement even outside the stadium. Rocks and stones were pelted into the compound and eventually, one reached the boundary rope.

Citing concerns over player safety, the match was temporarily called off and the players asked to retire to their dressing rooms while the situation was dealt with. Pakistan went on to defeat Sri Lanka at home.