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Litton Das Public Apology For Journalist Meltdown Justifies The 'Big Stage' Pressure

Soumyajit Dutta

Litton Das [Source: @VKCricketFan/X.com]Litton Das [Source: @VKCricketFan/X.com]

The Cricket World Cup is a pressure cooker where the heat isn't just from the Indian sun but from the relentless glare of the spotlight. For players from cricket-crazed nations like Bangladesh, every performance is dissected, and every move is watched. 

In October 2023, opener Litton Das found himself at the centre of a storm that had nothing to do with his batting, but everything to do with the immense pressure that comes with it.

What Happened Between Litton And The Journalists?

The incident, as reported, unfolded not on the field, but in the lobby of the team hotel in Pune. According to sources, Litton Das became visibly frustrated by the presence of media personnel. The specific point of contention? Journalists are taking his photo without prior engagement. 

This frustration boiled over, leading Das to express his displeasure to the hotel security staff. The result was an uncomfortable and unprecedented scene. The security intervened and asked the journalists to leave, stating the players were not comfortable with their presence.

Backlash From Journalists

The backlash from the Bangladesh press corps was swift and severe. The move was labelled "unprecedented" by the popular daily Prothom Alo. Veteran sports journalist Utpal Shuvro captured the sentiment, stating, “I cannot recall if any such thing happened in the history of Bangladesh cricket.” For a team that enjoys a fervent, passionate following, the image of a player pushing away the very media that connects them to millions of fans was a difficult one.

However, the incident couldn't be divorced from the context of his on-field struggles. At the time, Litton was in the throes of a dismal run of form. With a meagre 89 runs in three matches, including a first-ball duck against New Zealand, the weight of expectation was crushing. 

Litton Das Later Issues Public Apology

To his credit, Litton’s response was swift and contrite. Recognising the misstep, he took to Facebook to issue a public apology. He clarified that he hadn't realised how many journalists were present and affirmed his respect for their role. 

“I apologise for the situation that took place in the heat of the moment. Media has an undeniable role in Bangladesh cricket" Das wrote on his Facebook wall. It was a necessary peace offering, an acknowledgement that the relationship between player and press is symbiotic, even when it feels intrusive.