New Delhi: In a recent development to the entire dressing room controversy surrounding Rohit Sharma, TV broadcasting giants “Star Sports” have hit back at the allegations by the former Mumbai Indians skipper. Rohit Sharma made scornful accusations that his privacy was breached by the Star.
After former #MumbaiIndians skipper #RohitSharma publicly criticised the broadcasters of #IPL2024, accusing them of a "breach of privacy," Star Sports has issued a statement in response to the 37-year-old batter.https://t.co/VwlX83rIS9
— The Quint (@TheQuint) May 21, 2024
Sharma took to his social media profile to vent his anger. Rohit’s repeated pleas of not recording his statements and off-field discussions fell on the deaf ears of the broadcasting giants. Two clips surfaced on social media, one where Rohit was seen talking to his Ranji teammate Abhishek Nayar and another in the stands of Wankhede where Rohit was talking to his friends. Although the video of Sharma and Nayar was taken down by the franchise, a repeat of the same in Wankhede left the Indian skipper fuming at the TV channel.
‘No #AudioRecorded’: #StarSports Clears The Air On #RohitSharma’s ‘#PrivacyBreach’ Accusationshttps://t.co/uMZz87zypC pic.twitter.com/FJFhcU6BVV
— Timeline. (@timelinelatest) May 21, 2024
Rohit’s act of calling out has received widespread support and criticism on social media from fans and pundits alike. Former Indian batsman has come out in support of Rohit Sharma. People have felt that the intense media scanner that the players are subjected to indeed has a detrimental effect on the mindset of the players and the nearby people associated with the player. However, there is a new angle to this entire controversy as Star Sports has justified its involvement in the entire controversy.
Scenes after Captain Rohit Sharma tweeted against PR Star Sports. 😈🔥pic.twitter.com/lJXX9gdwTP
— 𝐇𝐲𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐧 𝕏 (@ImHydro45) May 19, 2024
What did Star Sports say in its defence?
Star Sports on the other hand has defended itself against the criticism of the Indian skipper. It has issued a statement which clarified the legality of the clips as well as the loyalty that the channel has towards its players.
Rohit Sharma Need Privacy From This Paid Star Sports. They Can't Even Give Privacy To Any Player Specially Rohit. If Rohit Scores Hundred And Virat Scores 48 Runs They Only Hype Virat Kohli. And A Actress Anushka Follow Star Sports.
SHAME ON STAR SPORTS pic.twitter.com/3659PysX7y
— Ryrix⁴⁵ (@CricCrazyJohns4) May 19, 2024
“A clip involving a senior Indian player and his post on social media have gained prominence since yesterday. The clip, taken during a training session on May 16 at Wankhede stadium, for which Star Sports had authorised access, momentarily showed the senior player in conversation with his friends on the sidelines.”
Gautam Gambhir is the one who knows how much Rohit Sharma should be celebrated and hyped but these paid PR's never did that
SHAME ON STAR SPORTS pic.twitter.com/eNTZWH7OfG
— Krishna♡ (@OverCovers_45) May 19, 2024
“No audio from this conversation was either recorded or broadcast. The clip, which only showed the senior player requesting for the audio of his conversation to not be recorded, got featured in Star Sports’ live coverage of pre-match preparations and lacked editorial relevance beyond this.”
Sultan -Rohit Sharma 💙
Shame on Star Sports pic.twitter.com/LFs8ukpB1U
— KrrishnaTweets (@KAakrosh) May 19, 2024
As the tussle between both parties continues, only time will tell how much of an effect this controversy will have on the mind of the Indian skipper who is set to lead his side in the upcoming T20 World Cup. However, everyone hopes for a resolution between both sides sooner so that cordial relationships prevail once again before such a major tournament which is right at the corner.
