Ireland all-rounder Kevin O'Brien left Bangalore for Mohali on Monday, carrying fond memories of the venue where he struck the fastest World Cup century against England. The same can't be said about his elder brother Niall, whose bats went missing after Sunday's game against India.
When the Ireland team reached the hotel after the day-night game, they found that the wicketkeeper's kit bag wasn't there. The Irish team brought this to the notice of the International Cricket Council (ICC) officials, who in turn informed the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA).
"One of the bags, belonging to Niall, wasn't found after we reached the hotel last night," said Ireland team media manager Barry Chambers after landing in Mohali on Monday evening. "We have still not found it and will not know about it until later tonight when all our stuff arrives here."
Sources close to the team said among other equipment, the bag contained six bats belonging to the wicketkeeper-batsman.
Normally, the players leave their bags at the ground from where they are sent to the hotel by the local organisers.
An ICC official said they were aware of it. "This has been brought to our notice and we have informed the KSCA. Hopefully, what is missing will be recovered. At this stage, we can't say more about it. We can't say whether it's a case of theft or the bag got misplaced," said the official, who didn't wish to be named.
{{/usCountry}}An ICC official said they were aware of it. "This has been brought to our notice and we have informed the KSCA. Hopefully, what is missing will be recovered. At this stage, we can't say more about it. We can't say whether it's a case of theft or the bag got misplaced," said the official, who didn't wish to be named.
{{/usCountry}}When contacted in Bangalore, the KSCA president Anil Kumble denied any knowledge about the incident. "I'm not aware, nobody has spoken to me about it," he said.