A weekend T20 match in Upper Hutt, New Zealand, allegedly dissolved into shocking scenes of on-field violence after a disputed umpire decision spiralled into a full-scale brawl involving bats and stumps.
The alleged clash erupted around 5pm on Saturday at Trentham Park during a fixture between Hutt District Cricket Club Royal Blues and Upper Hutt United Cricket Club, Bharat XI.
Video footage shared with Stuff shows players from both sides allegedly striking each other with what appear to be cricket bats and stumps as chaos unfolded on the boundary.
A witness, who asked not to be named, said tempers flared immediately after an umpire’s call, with a verbal confrontation quickly escalating into physical blows.
Cricket Wellington confirmed it was investigating: “Cricket Wellington takes all matters of player and participant safety extremely seriously, and at this stage we are in the process of understanding exactly what occurred,” the organisation said in a statement to Stuff.
“Once all relevant information has been gathered, we will follow the disciplinary process outlined in the Cricket Wellington Code of Conduct to ensure appropriate action is taken.”
Upper Hutt Cricket Club said both teams recognised the gravity of the incident and would support any disciplinary measures once the facts were established.
Records on PlayHQ show the Royal Blues were declared winners by forfeit after posting 8/155 from 20 overs. Bharat XI had reached 1/24 after three overs before the match was abandoned.
Despite the violent confrontation and images showing injuries sustained during the melee, police said they had not received any reports about the incident.
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