Wrestlers stopped from seeing MS Dhoni in action, police cite ‘security reasons’

As the Indian Premier League draws to a close, fans are thronging to the stadiums to catch a glimpse of their favourite players.

In similar fashion, protesting wrestlers Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia too decided to attend the match between Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings on Saturday at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.

However, the grapplers were denied entry into the stadium.

In his address to the press, Bajrang Punia said, ‘We went to watch the match at Feroz Shah Kotla but were denied entry. Police refused to let us in, citing security reasons. We were donning tee shirts that read 'I stand with wrestlers'.’

Punia added that they were not allowed inside despite showing their valid tickets.

‘It is MS Dhoni’s last match, he is a great player so we wanted to see him in action, however, the police said we are celebrities so there are security issues.’

The Olympic medallist was also asked if they were anticipating any support from Dhoni himself to which he responded, ‘We want the support of all Indians but Dhoni, yes, for sure. He is a good player and a good human being so we definitely do hope for his support as well. It is the fight for India's daughters so he should definitely express solidarity with us.’

Several former cricketers had expressed solidarity with the wrestlers in April this year, however, Bajrang Punia poined out that they have no received any show of support from any of the active players including MS Dhoni.