Lancashire officials apologise for Old Trafford chaos on first day of fourth Test

Dubai: Lancashire Cricket officials have issued a public apology after chaotic scenes outside Old Trafford marred the start of the fourth Test between India and England on Wednesday. Thousands of fans were stuck in long queues due to slow security checks and limited entry points, missing much of the morning session.

“We are aware that some supporters experienced queues getting into Emirates Old Trafford this morning, which we apologise for,” the club said in a statement to Guardian. “We saw nearly 9,000 supporters arrive at the ground very late despite encouraging early arrival, with all bags subject to searches on entry.”

Lancashire said it would increase the number of gates and open them from 9am for the remaining days of the Test. But the damage was done on Day 1, leaving many fans — including travelling Indian supporters — frustrated after paying premium prices to attend one of the marquee matches of the summer.

The disruption came on a big week for the county, which is playing host to its only Test of the year and will miss out on next summer’s England fixtures as well as the next Ashes in 2027. The club has been actively trying to build closer ties with India since the 2019 World Cup, including a presence on Indian streaming platform JioTV and a tie-up with IPL franchise owners RPSG for the Hundred.

Ironically, the ground was referenced earlier this year as a symbol of UK-India relations. A Lancashire statement once described the club as “playing its role in supporting bilateral trade talks between the UK and Indian governments.”

Back on the field, India endured a setback with Rishabh Pant forced off with a foot injury late in the day, after a solid start from the top order under lights. The wicketkeeper-batter, who had to be driven off on a golf cart, has been ruled out of the series, dealing a massive blow to India’s hopes in the crunch Test.

For Lancashire, though, the real injury might have been to its image — with local fans and global viewers left unimpressed by poor planning at one of English cricket’s most important venues.