India have resumed international duty in the prevailing pandemic era, as they are taking on Australia in the opening One-Day International (ODI), at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), on Friday. However, it did not go down without a slender controversy.
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It was during the sixth over of the Australian innings when a couple of men ran onto the field, holding banners. The banners had State Bank of India (SBI) embedded on it, while the actual message read, "No $1bn Adani loan". Nonetheless, the protesters were later escorted out by security personnel, who wore t-shits, reading #StopAdani.
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The protest was regarding Indian power company, Adani group's upcoming coal project in Australia. The company is set to work at the Carmichael coal mine project in Queensland, while state authorities had approved its groundwater management plan in June.
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It is a billion-dollar deal, that was achieved after the surprise win of Australia's pro-coal ruling coalition, which was also led by the Australian Prime Minister, Scott Morrison. Nonetheless, Labor Party leader Bill Shorten was utterly against the project, as he had to resign following the poor performance of his party during the elections in the state.
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As for the match, it happens to be India's first international series in the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, the match is being held with a limited percentage of spectators being allowed at the venue, up to 50%.
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The tour is set to comprise of three ODIs and T20Is each, along with four Tests. As of now, the limited-overs are scheduled to be contested in Sydney and Canberra.
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