A man wearing a ‘Free Palestine’ t-shirt invaded the pitch during the ongoing India vs Australia ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 finals on Sunday. He was seen trying to hug Virat Kohli, reports ndtv.com

The man, clad in red shorts, was wearing a white t-shirt with the message ‘Stop bombing Palestine’ on the front and ‘Free Palestine’ on the back. He was also wearing a face mask in Palestine's colours.

Indian batter Virat Kohli and a pitch invader during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 final between India and Australia, at the Narendra Modi Stadium, in Ahmedabad. PTI picture.

The man, who invaded the pitch in Ahmedabad, was also carrying a rainbow flag. He was soon caught and taken into custody over the security breach.

“My name is John…I am from Australia. I entered (the field) to meet Virat Kohli. I support Palestine…” the man was quoted as saying by ANI.

The match was briefly halted due to the pitch invasion. After the security officials apprehended the intruder, the match was resumed.

Last month, Hamas-led Palestinian militants launched an invasion of southern Israel from the Gaza Strip, targeting Israeli military bases, civilian population centers, and a music festival near Re'im. Some countries described the attack as an act of terror, while others placed the responsibility on Israel.

After clearing Hamas militants, the Israeli military retaliated with an extensive aerial bombardment campaign, dropping thousands of bombs on Gazan targets over six days, and imposing a total blockade of the Gaza Strip, followed by a large-scale ground invasion of Gaza. Many have since protested Israel's bombardment of the Gaza city, where civilian population has been severely impacted.

The massive Narendra Modi Stadium in Motera in Ahmedabad was packed full as cricket enthusiasts flocked to the stadium for the highly-anticipated India vs Australia World Cup finals.

India are chasing a third World Cup title, while Australia will look to clinch a record-extending sixth World Cup trophy on Sunday.