World Cup Winner Slams BCCI For Televising Inappropriate Ad During India vs England T20I

Team India players in England [Source: AFP]Former Indian cricketer Kirti Azad has raised objection against the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) over the broadcasting of an ‘adult’ advertisement during the ongoing India vs England T20I series. The 1983 World Cup winner slammed the Indian board for the advertisement, as aired during the second T20I between the two sides on Saturday, July 5. Azad also issued a warning that he will be raising the issue in the Parliament if the BCCI fails to look into the matter. Kirti Azad warns against use of ‘adult advertisement’ in family sportFormer Indian cricketer and active TMC politician Kirti Azad has questioned the broadcasters of the ongoing India vs England T20I series over the airing of an alleged adult advertisement. The 1983 World Cup winner urged the BCCI to look into the matter, especially after the controversial advertisement was aired during the second T20I of the series at Old Trafford on July 4.While speaking with IANS, Azad said that millions of families watch cricket with their children in India. The former cricketer further stated that “adult advertisements” should not appear between overs in front of family audiences. Also Read- What Went Wrong For Ravi Bishnoi In IND Vs ENG 2nd T20I? Former PBKS Coach ExplainsHe said “This is an adult advertisement. Children watch the match with their parents. They are children under 16 years old. In this country, cricket is considered a religion. When I was watching it, 44 crore people were watching it, and an adult advertisement appeared during the match.”Kirti Azad added “Parents don’t know where to look, and children don’t understand it. They ask what it is. What effect will it have on their minds? This is a very big question, and the BCCI should answer it. How are they allowing all this?”Kirti Azad to raise issue in parliamentKirti Azad further lashed out as the broadcasters for airing adult advertisements like Durex commercials, even though alcohol and cigarette advertisements have been banned in the country. The 67-year-old additionally warned that he will take the matter into the parliament if the BCCI does not look into it. Azad said “Alcohol and cigarette advertisements are all banned, and they should be. So why adult advertisements? And that too between overs. I raise a big question over its validity. The BCCI has to look into it. If needed, then yes, I will raise it in Parliament. I will definitely raise it.”India vs England 2nd T20I: As it happenedOn the field, India and England cricket teams put up a high-scoring exhibition at Old Trafford in Manchester on Saturday, July 4. Batting first, the ‘Men in Blue’ charted 190-7 from 20 overs. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi made his debut in the game, and Ishan Kishan top-scored in the innings through his fiery 49. Abhishek Sharma and captain Shreyas Iyer also scored the crucial runs. Tilak Varma slapped an electrifying 11-ball 24* to turbo-charge the Indian innings at the death. For England, senior all-rounder and fast bowler Sam Curran picked up three wickets at an expense of just 33 runs from his four overs. In response, England lost both openers in the first over of the run chase to Arshdeep Singh. However, captain Harry Brook and Tom Banton stabilized the English innings, before Jacob Bethell unleashed his fury over a struggling Ravi Bishnoi. Bethell launched five boundaries and five sixes in his scorching 46-ball 76*. Undoing Arshdeep’s fighting three-wicket haul, England won the match with an over and four wickets to spare.The two teams will now face each other in the third T20I of their five-match series on Tuesday, July 7 in Nottingham.Also Read- Gurnoor Brar Roadblocks Auqib Nabi's Entry Into India Test Squad For Sri Lanka Series