Commentator Ashok Malhotra called Assam cricketers “second-class citizens” during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) match against Bengal in Mohali. ” I apologized for calling him that.
In addition, Assam captain Riyan Parag, who completed his 50th (a world record for seven consecutive years), led his team to a comfortable victory over Bengal in the quarter-finals in Mohali.
After restricting Bengal to 138-8 (Ryan claimed 2-23), Assam chased the target with eight wickets and 13 balls in hand.
During the 16th over of Assam’s chase, Ashok Malhotra said on the broadcast: “Bengal has played many matches against Assam. I have always considered them second-class people,” he said, praising the body language of the current Assam team.
Assam past cricketers are 2nd class citizens?
Commentators, while praising Assam’s performance in Syed Mustaq Ali, said that Assamese cricketers were second-class citizens before Bengal.
Apologies to all former Assam cricketers for the comment@tarangagoi @lonsaikia pic.twitter.com/SqMvxeeEbr
– Nibiru Deka (@nibirdeka) 3 October 2023
Although Assam had never beaten Bengal in any form until 1996 (after Malhotra played his last match for Bengal), the equation has not become so skewed in the 21st century . In fact, the Twenty20 cricket score is he 8-5 in favor of Bengal.
But this was the lesser of two problems with Mr. Malhotra’s comments. Off the field, there have been no particularly peaceful relations between the two countries for many years. There is little doubt that the words he chose were insensitive and politically incorrect.
Mr Malhotra later apologized for his choice of words in . It was completely unintentional, she was trying to talk about her progress. I regret it and apologize unconditionally. ”
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.
– Ashok Malhotra (@AshokMalhotra57) 1. 2023 年 11 月
Malhotra also represented India in Test matches and 20 ODIs in the early 1980s.
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