GUWAHATI: A recent controversy has emerged after prominent cricket commentator Ashok Malhotra allegedly made disparaging remarks about the Assam cricket team during a match against Bengal in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy T20 cricket tournament held in Mohali on October 31, 2023.
The incident unfolded as Malhotra, while providing commentary for the game, attempted to draw a comparison between the Assam and Bengal teams and referred to the Assam players as "second-class citizens."
His exact words were, "What I liked about Assam, because we have been playing for Bengal, we have played a number of matches against Assam. I would always say they were like second-class citizens... that they are beaten comfortably by Bengal."
The controversial comments quickly went viral, drawing sharp criticism from various quarters, particularly the Assam Cricket Association President, Taranga Gogoi. In response to the comments, Gogoi composed a letter addressed to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), expressing his strong objection to Ashok Malhotra's derogatory statements.
Later Malhotra took to Twitter and apologised saying, “I apologise profusely if I have hurt Assam people’s sentiments with my comments during the Assam v Bengal game last evening. I am sorry. It was totally unintentional & was trying to speak about their progress. I regret it and give an unconditional apology.”
In the cricket match itself, Bengal set a target of 139 runs for Assam during their innings. However, Assam showcased their batting prowess by comfortably chasing down the target with 13 balls to spare, which further highlighted their cricketing capabilities.
The incident has raised concerns about maintaining the decorum and respect within the cricketing community and has initiated discussions about the responsibilities and conduct of commentators and sports personalities while representing the sport. The cricketing world will be closely monitoring the response and actions taken by the BCCI in the wake of this controversy.
