The fans were highly entertained on Saturday, October 14, when India beat Pakistan by seven wickets to become table toppers in this ICC World Cup.
Despite the entertainment, a controversy erupted after the match was over, as the internet was divided after a video went viral, where certain fans chanted ‘Jai Shree Ram’ towards Mohammad Rizwan, while the Pakistani batter was heading towards the pavilion after getting out.
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A section of fans supported the crowd behaviour, while a few, including some renowned figures, were unhappy with the behaviour and expressed their displeasure on social media platforms.
Renowned journalist Rajdeep Sardesai took to Twitter to slam the ‘Jai Shree Ram’ chants by Indian fans.
“Afternoon musing: in our park in the morning, we often say ‘Ram Ram’ as an affectionate greeting to each other. Why then use Jai Shri Ram as an aggressive chant to mock Pakistani players? Lord Ram is Maryada Purshottam: he must bring enlightenment, not evoke enmity. Agree?,” Sardesai wrote on X.
In reply, former India cricketer, and BJP leader, Laxman Sivaramakrishnan shut Rajdeep by sharing his experience when he toured Pakistan at the age of 16.
“What abuses I have got as a 16-year-old in Pakistan, only I know. From my colour to my religion to my country and culture. For Heaven’s sake if you have not experienced it, please don’t talk about it,” he tweeted.
In June 2023, Laxman Sivaramakrishnan was appointed as honorary vice president of the Tamil Nadu BJP’s Sports and Skill Development Cell.