'They Don't Know About Cricket'- Harbhajan's Sexist Remark On Anushka & Athiya Causes Stir
Anushka Sharma & Athiya Shetty were cheering for Team India from the stands (Twitter)
In a moment that has sparked widespread controversy, former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh made sexist remarks about Bollywood actresses Anushka Sharma and Athiya Shetty during the highly anticipated World Cup 2023 final between India and Australia.
Harbhajan Singh criticized for sexist comment on Anushka and Athiya
The match, held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, November 19, saw India facing off against Australia in a bid to secure their third World Cup trophy.
The incident occurred in the 18th over of India's innings. Harbhajan Singh, while commentating, questioned Anushka and Athiya's understanding of cricket. This was in response to fellow Hindi commentator Jatin Sapru's observation that the actresses, who are married to cricketers Virat Kohli and KL Rahul respectively, might be hoping for their husbands' prolonged partnership on the field.
Harbhajan's comment, “I don’t know if they’re talking about cricket or films, I don’t think they know much about cricket,” has been met with significant backlash.
His statement quickly spread across social media platforms, particularly on Twitter where a section of users condemned his words as "misogynistic."
Here’s a look at a few reactions
Meanwhile, the World Cup final was not just a sporting event but a glamorous affair, attracting numerous celebrities. Among the attendees were Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan with his family, including Gauri, Aryan, Suhana, and AbRam, as well as other prominent actors like Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Ayushmann Khurrana, and Shanaya Kapoor.
Despite the celebrity presence and immense support from fans, India's journey in the World Cup ended in disappointment. The team fell short of their goal, succumbing to a six-wicket defeat at the hands of Australia. This loss marked a missed opportunity for India to add another World Cup trophy to their cabinet.