A file photo of former India cricketers Harbhajan Singh (left), Suresh Raina and with Yuvraj Singh during a match in Chennai.
| Photo Credit: The Hindu

The National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP) has lodged a police complaint against some former Team India cricketers for “insulting and mocking” the differently abled people in a video uploaded on social media platforms.

Also read: Stereotyping differently-abled persons in films, visual media perpetuate discrimination, says Supreme Court

The cricketers named in the complaint at Amar Colony police station in New Delhi. They are Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, Suresh Raina, and Gurkeerat Mann.

The “celebrated cricketers” released a video on Instagram “where they can be seen intentionally insulting, mimicking and making fun of persons with disabilities”, the complaint by the NCPEDP’s executive director, Arman Ali said.

The video was uploaded from Harbhajan Singh’s Instagram handle (@harbhajan3) on July 14 showed the cricketers “walking and limping in a manner which is offensive to persons with disabilities”, it read.

“This entire act has been done in disguise of casual entertainment. We also want to register this complaint against Sandhya Devanathan, the Vice President and Managing Director of Meta India as the platform is also in violation of the Information Technology Act of 2000 by allowing such content to be posted on their platform Instagram which violating user guidelines,” the complaint read.

“The video is a violation of Article 21 of the Constitution of India which allows every person to have a right to life with dignity and also violates Section 92 of the Rights of Person with Disabilities Act, 2016,” Mr. Ali wrote, seeking necessary and appropriate action against “these anti-social elements”.

Former Indian cricket team spinner Harbhajan Singh© X (formerly Twitter)

Harbhajan Singh (L) and para-badminton star Manasi Joshi© X (Twitter)

Former cricketers Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh and Suresh Raina shared a video on Instagram after India Champions beat Pakistan Champions by five wickets in the World Championship of Legends final.
| Photo Credit: Instagram/@harbhajan3

Disability rights groups have criticised former cricketers Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh and Suresh Raina for “mocking” people with disabilities in a video in which they are seen trying to recreate actor Vicky Kaushal’s viral dance step from the song Tauba Tauba.

The former cricketers shared the video on Instagram after India Champions beat Pakistan Champions by five wickets in the World Championship of Legends final.

In the video, Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh and Raina are seen limping and holding their backs to show the physical toll taken by the matches on their bodies.

“Body ki Tauba Tauba ho Gayi in 15 days legends cricket.. Every part of the body is sore. Straight competition to our brothers @vickykaushal09 @karanaujla our version of Tauba Tauba dance. What a SONG,” the caption of the video read.

Disability activists have found the video to be in poor taste.

The National Platform for the Rights of the Disabled called the video “totally disgraceful”.

“No words are sufficient enough to condemn such behaviour specially when displayed by people considered national heroes. Such degrading actions only exposes their total insensitivity and boorishness,” the NPRD said in a post on X.

National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People executive director Arman Ali urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to take note of the video.

“Disgusting to see India’s top cricketers mocking disability. Shameful and atrocious behaviour from those who are idolised by masses. Shame on them. I urge BCCI to take immediate note of this,” he said.

Disability rights activist Satendra Singh said these cricketers are role models for a lot of Indians and Yuvraj Singh, who has battled cancer, should have been more empathetic.

“So many people are following them and they will follow these actions so there needs to be sensitivity. They have no remorse and are making fun of people with disabilities,” he told PTI.

As the India Champions were crowned the World Championship of Legends winners after beating Pakistan five wickets in a pulsating finale on Saturday, their skipper Yuvraj Singh picked his all-time XI. Yuvraj, who himself remains one of the most decorated cricketers the game has ever seen, made some understandable picks as he named his XI. The likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma made the cut among Indian batters. 

He started with Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting as the opening batters while Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli came in at the No. 3 and No. 4 spots respectively. At No. 5, Yuvraj picked AB de Villiers, followed by Adam Gilchrist as the specialist wicket-keeper at No. 6.

At No. 7, Yuvraj went with Australian spin-bowling legend Shane Warne while Muttiah Muralitharan came in at No. 8 spot. In the pace department, Glenn McGrath and Wasim Akram filled the No. 9 and No. 10 roles while former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff was a pick at the No. 11 spot.

When asked to name a special No. 12 player, Yuvraj picked himself in the spot. 

pic.twitter.com/yb88JMy9Jy

— Dev (@time__square) July 13, 2024

Yuvraj Singh’s All-Time XI: Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Adam Gilchrist (wk), Andre Flintoff, Shane Warne, Mutttiah Muralitharan, Glenn McGrath, Wasim Akram. Yuvraj Singh (12th man)

As for the final, the Yuvraj-led side showcased their dominance in the competition and secured the coveted title in a match that went down to the wire as two teams fought hard. Pakistan Champions, opting to bat first after winning the toss, posted a competitive total of 156/6 in 20 overs.

Kamran Akmal (24 off 19) and Maqsood (21 off 12) gave the team a solid start, but regular wickets kept the scoring in check.

The standout performer was Shoaib Malik, who scored a crucial 41 off 36 balls, anchoring the innings. Captain Younis Khan failed to make a mark as he was clean bowled by Irfan Pathan for 7. The middle-order collapsed and Misbah-ul-Haq was retired hurt after a brisk 18, late contributions from Sohail Tanvir (19* off 9) ensured Pakistan posted a respectable score.

Indian bowlers, led by Anureet Singh who claimed three wickets with support from Vinay Kumar, Pawan Negi and Irfan Pathan (one wicket each) were instrumental in containing Pakistan’s batting lineup.

In response, India Champions started their run chase with intent. Despite losing Robin Uthappa (10) early, Ambati Rayudu’s explosive 50 off 30 balls set the foundation for the chase for the Men in Blue.

Suresh Raina too departed cheaply for 4 in the same over, helping Pakistan make a comeback. But a strong partnership between Rayudu and Gurkeerat Singh Maan (34 off 33) kept India on track.

Rayudu and Mann also departed in a space of 10 runs but the momentum stayed firmly in India’s favour with Yusuf Pathan’s blistering 30 off 16 balls before the latter was dismissed in the penultimate over.

With captain Yuvraj Singh (15*) and Irfan Pathan (5*) at the crease, India sealed the win, finishing at 159 for 5 in 19.1 overs.

With IANS Inputs

WCL 2024: India will look to avenge their loss against Pakistan in the group stage.© X (Twitter)

Legendary all-rounder Yuvraj Singh was at his fluent best as India Champions blew away Australia Champions in the semi-finals of the World Championship of Legends (WCL). Yuvraj hammered 59 runs off just 28 balls, smashing four 4s and five 6s, to help India post a mammoth 254/6 in Northampton. During his playing days, Yuvraj had developed a knack of performing in big games, especially against Australia. It was deja-vu all over again for Australia as Yuvraj came back to haunt them, with fans suggesting that the former India all-rounder still owns the Aussies.

Here’s how Internet reacted:

Yuvraj Singh is a Beast vs Australia

84 (80) vs AUS (CT 2000 SF)

70 (30) vs AUS (T20 WC 2007 SF)

57* (65) vs AUS (WC 2011 QF)

60 (43) vs AUS (T20 WC 2014)

59 (28) vs AUS (WCL 2024)

India Vs Australia WCL #YuvrajSingh #INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/qsWVwnUh5M

— Richard Kettleborough (@RichKettle07) July 13, 2024

Yuvraj Singh turned back the clock in Semifinal vs Australia

My Childhood. My Present. pic.twitter.com/qR9j0zrqaR

— KKR (@KKRWeRule) July 12, 2024

Yuvraj Singh still owning Australia in knockout matches. pic.twitter.com/7wQUniDTUv

— Vipul Ghatol (@Vipul_Espeaks) July 12, 2024

Yuvraj Singh against Australia in a semi-final >>> pic.twitter.com/ZZOiavd5TN

— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) July 12, 2024

Yuvraj Singh and Australia in knock out games.

Made for Each Other.pic.twitter.com/F2r23AGIxq

— Cricketopia (@CricketopiaCom) July 13, 2024

Coming back to the match, Robin Uthappa (65), Yuvraj, Yusuf Pathan (51) and Irfan Pathan (50) all smashed quickfire half-centuries to steer India Champions to a big total of 254/6.

In reply, Australia were restricted to 168/7 as Dhawal Kulkarni and Pawan Negi took two wicket each. India will now take on Pakistan in final.

After losing to the Pakistani champions by 68 runs in the group stage, the Suresh Raina-led India Champions will have to get revenge over their arch-rivals in Saturday’s final.

Afridi affirmed that the players are determined to play in the final, and if they face their bitter rivals, India, in the final, it would provide great entertainment to the fans.

“All the teams’ players are determined to win the semi-final and make it to the final […] fans will get great entertainment if Pakistan vs India takes place,” Former Pakistan captain, Afridi said, as quoted from Geo News.

Pakistan Champions batters have displayed great intent throughout the tournament. Sharjeel Khan (209 runs) and Shoaib Malik (204 runs) are two of the top five scorers in the tournament. Sohaib Maqsood, with 182 runs, is another Pakistan batter to feature in the list of top-ten run-scorers.

Pakistan lost only a single game in the five matches during the group stage. They got the better of Australia, India, the West Indies, and England. South Africa was the only team to make Pakistan taste defeat in the group stage.

(With ANI Inputs)

India opener Abhishek Sharma‘s second T20I against Zimbabwe became more special after former all-rounder Yuvraj Singh congratulated him for his maiden ton for the country in the shortest format of cricket. After enduring a nightmarish start to his T20I career, Abhishek showed his true colours with the bat. From scoring a four-ball duck in his debut game, the 23-year-old youngster bounced back and scored a quick-fire hundred in the second T20I. He went berserk right from the get-go and opened his account with a towering maximum over deep backward square leg. His 47-ball century was laced with seven fours and a whopping eight maximums.

Taking to social media, former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh, who is the mentor of Abhishek, hailed the youngster, but urged him not to get complacent after just one big knock.

“Rome wasn’t built in a day! Congratulations @IamAbhiSharma4 on the journey to your first International 100! Many more to come,” Yuvraj captioned a post, highlighting Abhishek’s journey.

Rome wasn’t built in a day!

Congratulations @IamAbhiSharma4 on the journey to your first International 100! Many more to come#AbhishekSharma #INDvsZIM pic.twitter.com/7qfZJTiqOd

— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) July 8, 2024

BCCI had also shared a video of Abhishek speaking with Yuvraj on a video call. The former all-rounder who has worked with Abhishek is proud of the youngster and believes many more hundreds will come from the southpaw’s bat.

“I’m very proud. Well done. You deserve it. Many more to come. This is just the start,” Yuvraj told Abhishek on a video call.

Two extremely special phone calls, one memorable bat-story & a first in international cricket!

!

A Hundred Special, ft. Abhishek Sharma – By @ameyatilak

WATCH #TeamIndia | #ZIMvIND | @IamAbhiSharma4 pic.twitter.com/0tfBXgfru9

— BCCI (@BCCI) July 8, 2024

While talking about the special moment, Abhishek thanked Yuvraj for the efforts that he put in on and off the field to help him develop as a player.

“That was, again, a very special moment. I talked to him yesterday. I don’t know why, but he was very happy when I got out on zero. He was like, that’s a good start. But I think he must be very proud today as well. Just like my family. So, I’m really happy,” Abhishek said.

“It is all because of him as well. The hard work he has put on me. Two, three years he’s been working really hard on me and everything. I wouldn’t say just on my cricket, even off the field as well. So, it’s a big moment,” he added.

Abhishek also revealed that the carnage he caused in Harare was from skipper Shubman Gill‘s bat. The young opener acknowledged the fact that he uses Gill’s bat whenever he wants to make a comeback after going through a lean patch.

“I played with his bat only, which I found very difficult. He didn’t even give it to me easily. This has been going on since I was under 14. Whenever I have played from his bat, it’s good. Even today, I want to tell everyone that I played with his bat only, which I found very difficult. He doesn’t even give it easily. That is like my last option when I feel that I have to play with his bat for the comeback,” Abhishek said.

“So, special thanks to Shubman, who gave me his bat and gave it on time. I think this was a much-needed inning for me and the team as well. That is like my last option when I feel that I have to play with his bat for the comeback. When we lost the match yesterday, I thought that today is my day, so I’ll take it till the end,” he added.

While talking about the approach that he adopted for the game, Abhishek stated that he tried to score runs in an over that he was confident about.

“The positive was that we didn’t have much time to think about the next game because it was like on the next day. I felt that as soon as I thought that I could go for this bowler, I tried my best in that over. I was in a flow, so I just wanted to go there and express myself after I spoke to Rutu (Gaikwad) as well. He was also saying that whatever comes to your arc, you have to hit it, so don’t think much about the balls,” Abhishek noted.

After levelling the series 1-1, India will play the third T20I at Harare Sports Club on Wednesday.

(With Added Inputs)

India opener Abhishek Sharma has revealed that his mentor Yuvraj Singh was delighted when he got out for a duck on his T20I debut against Zimbabwe here as the swashbuckling former all-rounder, for reasons best known to him, felt it was a “good start”. Making his India debut, Abhishek was out on duck as the Men in Blue lost the first T20I against hosts Zimbabwe by 13 runs on Saturday. But the 23-year-old came back strongly to set the stage ablaze with a blistering maiden century (a 47-ball 100) to fashion India’s 100-run win in the second game a day later.

“I spoke to him yesterday (Saturday) also, and I don’t know why he was very happy when I got out on zero. He said that’s a good start but he must be very happy and proud just like my family,” Abhishek said in a video posted by BCCI.

He credited the hero of India’s 2011 World Cup triumph for not only helping him hone is skills on the cricket field but also supporting him in his life away from the field.

“It’s all because of him as well, the hard work he has put in (shaping) me. (For) two-three years, he has worked really hard not only on my cricket but off the field (life) as well.” After Sunday’s game, Abhishek called Yuvraj, who couldn’t be happier for the youngster.

“Well done very proud, you deserve it. Many more (such innings) to come this is just the start,” Yuvraj said.

Since there was no rest day in between the first two games, the visitors didn’t get a lot of time to think about the opening loss and that worked in India’s favour as they levelled the five-match series 1-1.

“We lost yesterday but I felt, today is my day and I should take the match to the end, the positive was that we didn’t have much time to think about the next game,” he pointed out.

Abhishek combined with Ruturaj Gaikwad (77 not out off 47 ball) for a match-winning 137-run stand for the second wicket.

“I was in a flow, and just wanted to express myself. I spoke to Rutu as well, he said the same thing that ‘don’t think much about the balls and hit what you think you can’,” he said.

He once again thanked India skipper on the tour and his Punjab teammate Shubman Gill for lending him his bat.

“Special thanks to Shubman who timely gave me his bat, this was a much-needed innings for me and the team.

“This has been going on from U-14 times. Whenever I play with his bat I have done well, today also, the same happened.

“I played with his bat only, which I got after a lot of difficulty, he doesn’t give it easily. That is like my last option when I feel I have to play with his bat for a comeback,” he quipped. 

Abhishek Sharma celebrates his century during the second T20I match against Zimbabwe, at Harare Sports Club in Harare on July 7, 2024.
| Photo Credit: ANI

India opener Abhishek Sharma has revealed that his mentor Yuvraj Singh was delighted when he got out for a duck on his T20I debut against Zimbabwe here as the swashbuckling former all-rounder, for reasons best known to him, felt it was a “good start”.

Making his India debut, Abhishek was out on duck as the Men in Blue lost the first T20I against hosts Zimbabwe by 13 runs on July 6. But the 23-year-old came back strongly to set the stage ablaze with a blistering maiden century (a 47-ball 100) to fashion India’s 100-run win in the second game a day later.

“I spoke to him yesterday (Saturday) also, and I don’t know why he was very happy when I got out on zero. He said that’s a good start but he must be very happy and proud just like my family,” Abhishek said in a video posted by BCCI.

He credited the hero of India’s 2011 World Cup triumph for not only helping him hone is skills on the cricket field but also supporting him in his life away from the field.

“It’s all because of him as well, the hard work he has put in (shaping) me. (For) two-three years, he has worked really hard not only on my cricket but off the field (life) as well.” After Sunday’s game, Abhishek called Yuvraj, who couldn’t be happier for the youngster.

“Well done very proud, you deserve it. Many more (such innings) to come this is just the start,” Yuvraj said.

Since there was no rest day in between the first two games, the visitors didn’t get a lot of time to think about the opening loss and that worked in India’s favour as they levelled the five-match series 1-1.

“We lost yesterday but I felt, today is my day and I should take the match to the end, the positive was that we didn’t have much time to think about the next game,” he pointed out.

Abhishek combined with Ruturaj Gaikwad (77 not out off 47 ball) for a match-winning 137-run stand for the second wicket.

“I was in a flow, and just wanted to express myself. I spoke to Rutu as well, he said the same thing that ‘don’t think much about the balls and hit what you think you can’,” he said.

He once again thanked India skipper on the tour and his Punjab teammate Shubman Gill for lending him his bat.

“Special thanks to Shubman who timely gave me his bat, this was a much-needed innings for me and the team.

“This has been going on from U-14 times. Whenever I play with his bat I have done well, today also, the same happened.

“I played with his bat only, which I got after a lot of difficulty, he doesn’t give it easily. That is like my last option when I feel I have to play with his bat for a comeback,” he quipped.