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Ashwin speaks out on VHT live broadcasting saga (Source: @thewhi8s/x.com, @Ayyappan_1504/x.com)
Domestic cricket returned to India a few months ago, but the Vijay Hazare Trophy returned with a whole lot of excitement with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s return. Fans, however, were left fuming as the lack of live broadcasts kept all their on-field action hidden from view.
They erupted on social media, accusing the BCCI of not broadcasting the matches of Mumbai and Delhi. Sensing the outrage, he stepped in to share his candid take on the controversy.
Ashwin breaks the silence on RO-KO's VHT matches off-air
The ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy has got a massive boost in this season with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s arrival. Ahead of their ODI series against New Zealand, the superstars took to domestic cricket to fine-tune their form. Returning to the stage where their journey began, the duo set the stage on fire with magnificent hundreds.
As the batters were on a roll, fans were thrilled to watch, but the lack of live telecasts sparked outrage against the BCCI. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin shared his unfiltered take on the brewing controversy.
“Fans are asking what the hell? Only Elon Musk can telecast these matches on X. Everyone wants to follow Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, no doubt. They had a great series and will be facing New Zealand next. They both have turned up and turned up how! One scores 150 and the other 130, both with incredible strike rates. When players like these come and play, the matches become more exciting,” he said.
Ashwin stands firm with BCCI on the telecast issue
After the BCCI decided to make domestic cricket mandatory for players off international duty, Rohit and Kohli returned to the domestic arena, but fans were left furious over the lack of live coverage. As BCCI is facing the heat, Ravichandran Ashwin stood firm with them. Backing the authority, he said broadcasting plans are made well in advance, making last-minute changes nearly impossible.
“Everyone wants to see Rohit and Virat in action, sure. But we have to see how early they got the information that Rohit and Virat will play. When the international calendar is given, the domestic calendar is given at the same time. Once it is set, the BCCI and broadcasters decide which venues are easy to cover and which matches can be televised,” he said.
“So the conversation was Rohit and Virat will play, but when? Making that last-minute switch is difficult,” he added.
Questions loomed over Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s ODI futures, but the pair let their bats do the talking. After a clinical ODI series against South Africa, they returned to domestic cricket and proved why the world hails them as GOAT. As another thrilling ODI series is commencing against New Zealand, fans are eagerly waiting for some more fireworks for them.
