Twitter Schools Harbhajan Singh Over Sexist Remark On Anushka Sharma, Athiya Shetty. Not Sporty Behaviour, Bhajji!
Not done Bhajji!
In a recent turn of events at the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 final, former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh sparked controversy with comments that didn’t sit well with many cricket enthusiasts and social media users. His remarks, particularly targeting Anushka Sharma and Athiya Shetty’s cricketing knowledge, raised eyebrows and led to a barrage of criticism on various platforms.
“Shayad filmon ki baatein hori hai ya cricket ki, pata nahi cricket ki kitni samajh hogi”
The audacity of the commentators to pass a sexist comment on such a broadcast.
Shame pic.twitter.com/3iZilWhDZc
— Richa Singh (@RichaaaaSingh) November 19, 2023
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During the commentary at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Harbhajan Singh questioned whether the two celebrities were discussing cricket or movies, expressing doubt about their cricketing acumen. His statement, however, didn’t land well with the audience, and the backlash was swift on social media.
Did Harbhajan Singh doing commentary just say that Anushka and Athiya probably don't know much about cricket? Vile
— Ria Chopra 🐍 (@riachops) November 19, 2023
The incident brings to light a recurring issue where women, irrespective of their expertise or knowledge, are often undermined in sports discussions. It’s a pattern that has unfortunately persisted, and Twitter users were quick to call out the sexism embedded in Harbhajan’s comments.
Bhajji made a sexist comment against Anushka & Athiya:
“I don’t think they are discussing Cricket, I doubt they know much about it”
He is as lodu as his Paki friends. 🥲
— Gabbar (@GabbbarSingh) November 19, 2023
One Twitter user pointed out the inconsistency in Harbhajan’s perspective, highlighting that while he may feel his wife doesn’t know much about cricket, it doesn’t justify judging Anushka Sharma and Athiya Shetty with the same lens. The reference to his friend Razzaq adds a layer of irony to the situation, emphasizing the need for a more balanced and fair assessment.
@harbhajan_singh may be your wife does not much about cricket but judging anushka and athya from same lens is sexist comment. I hope you are not learning from your friend Razzaq.
— $BM (@shubhamssn) November 19, 2023
And Harbhajan Singh, that commentary was not needed. I hope you Apologize and reflect on it. Like that ain't even funny to be called a joke
— niki¹⁷| seventeenth heaven (@17or_none) November 19, 2023
Yeah, that was a shameful act from @harbhajan_singh https://t.co/c2ichdBCBC
— Faizan Siddiqui (@CoolFaizan) November 19, 2023
Moreover, another user drew attention to the fact that Harbhajan Singh’s own wife has a background in acting. This observation adds a layer of irony to his comments, raising questions about the appropriateness of his critique.
And his own wife too is (or was) an actress! #HarbhajanSingh
— NV 🇮🇳 (@rookie_tweet) November 19, 2023
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A particularly strong response came from a user who humorously suggested that Harbhajan should stick to cricket commentary and refrain from delving into other subjects, likening him to a backward uncle. This sentiment reflects the collective frustration with the perpetuation of outdated gender stereotypes and expectations in sports commentary.
@harbhajan_singh thoda toh sharam karo bhajji https://t.co/GX6kATNLks
— shrav (@shravstwt) November 19, 2023
We've gotta ask bro to do commentary on cricket and not other things like some backward uncle #INDvsAUS #WorldcupFinal @harbhajan_singh #harbhajan_singh https://t.co/G1dabUqUL8
— Vishnu K B (@Vishnukb8055) November 19, 2023
@harbhajan_singh you don't deserve to be a commentator bhaji. All you have done while playing for india, your tongue is spoiling. #INDvsAUSfinal #INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/TrAGT26DEM
— Shipra (@mehtasaab19) November 19, 2023
Harbhajan Singh. Most retarded cricketer I had seen play for India. https://t.co/j3NewwZ96X
— Siva Chandan (@SivaChandan) November 19, 2023
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of fostering an inclusive and respectful environment in sports discussions, regardless of gender. Criticism should be based on knowledge and understanding rather than perpetuating stereotypes. As the cricketing community and fans call for a more focused and respectful approach, it remains to be seen how this incident will shape the discourse around gender and sports commentary in the future.
