India vs South Africa 3rd ODI: With Folded Hands, Kids Plead Hardik Patel Not to Disrupt Rajkot Tie

The Saurashtra Cricket Association stadium, on Monday, witnessed something that has probably never been seen on a cricket field. Standing in rows with folded hands, 50 boys and girls sent a powerful message to Hardik Patel, urging him to keep the politics out of the game. (Hardik Patel's Protest Threat Leaves Rajkot Cricket Bosses in a Spin)

The former junior cricketer-turned-fledgling politician has promised to stage his agitation for the Patidar community during the third India versus South Africa ODI in Rajkot on October 18.

Called the 'prayer for peace', this unique assimilation of children came after SCA officials, Ranji Trophy players and influential citizens failed to persuade Patel's Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti from agitating during an international match.

SCA made quite a show out of this novel appeal from the kids. Photographers were invited to the event. SCA secretary Niranjan Shah termed it as an "emotional request" to the politician. The India versus South Africa series has already seen crowd disturbance during the second Twenty20 in Cuttack on October 5.

Patel, the 22-year-old convener of PAAS, said 10,000 members of the Patel community would "peacefully" demonstrate to showcase their demands for reservation.

"The Patidar Samaj claims they have got tickets for the ODI but let me make it clear that until now, not a single ticket has been sold," Shah has been quoted as saying.

After Patel announced his plans, the SCA said tickets would be sold to fans with ID cards. Shah said he was banking on police help to host a trouble-free match.