The three former Indian cricketers allegedly mocked people with disabilities in a video on social media, which also irked para-athlete Manasi Joshi.
Recently, former Indian cricketers Harbhajan Singh, Suresh Raina, and Yuvraj Singh made news about winning against Pakistan in the final World Championship of Legends, an exhibition T20 tournament held in the UK. They also, however, made headlines with a “funny reel” on the viral Vicky Kaushal song “Tauba Tauba,” which they made after winning the final, showcasing how their bodies were sore after playing cricket for 15 days. However, a set of audience did not like it, including para athlete Manasi Joshi, and thought it mocked people with disabilities as the cricketing stars were seen limping.
A police complaint was filed against Harbhajan Singh, Suresh Raina, and Yuvraj Singh.
It is now reported that a police complaint has been filed against the former Indian cricketers for making the reel, allegedly showing disrespect to the ones with disabilities. The complaint is filed by Arman Ali, the Executive Director of the National Council for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP), for “insulting” and “making fun” of “more than 10 crore” disabled people of India.
What did Arman Ali, the complainant, say?
He said, “When I saw the video of Harbhajan Singh, Yuvraj Singh, and Suresh Raina where they were pretending like disabled, kind of mockery on a viral song, I think it’s an insult to more than 10 crore disabled people of India.” He also mentioned that Harbhajan Singh, a Member of Parliament, should be raising his voice to spread awareness concerning disabilities.
Further, Arman Ali also said, “Harbhajan Singh is an MP, and he should raise his voice for the disabled, but what kind of video he is making?… In India, there is an acute lack of awareness concerning disabilities. You are spreading myth and making fun of them, and that’s why I have filed a complaint…” Responding to the criticism, Harbhajan Singh deleted the video and apologized on social media and added it wasn’t intentional and was made in a jest to how their bodies were sore from playing cricket for 15 days.