Xtra Time Web Desk: Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has urged for an end to fan conflicts in India, following Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya facing boos during the IPL 2024 season. Hardik, who succeeded Rohit Sharma as captain of the 5-time IPL Champions, encountered difficulties at the outset of his leadership. With two losses in his initial matches as MI skipper, has encountered criticism on social media.
Ahmedabad crowd’s booed Pandya during MI’s IPL 2024 opener against Gujarat Titans added to Hardik’s challenges, as he did the backlash online after their defeat to SRH, leaving them winless this season. Ashwin addressed the issue on his YouTube channel, responding to a fan’s query about whether MI should issue a statement.
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The RR spinner highlighted that neither the franchise nor the player is to blame, expressing concern over the escalating fan conflicts in India. Ashwin condemned the trend, describing it as a form of ‘cinema culture’ and expressing surprise at Indian players being booed by their own supporters.
“Neither has any role to play in it. I think it is the responsibility and onus of the fans.. Fan wars are turning so ugly. It is very sad to point where in our comments section, people talk on Kohli and Dhoni. They’re both legends. They’re Indian team legends. How you seen in any other country where Joe Root and Zak Crawley fans fighting? It’s crazy, I don’t understand. Do Steve Smith and Pat Cummins fans fight in Australia? This is cricket. I repeat this again, this is a complete cinema culture. But fan wars shouldn’t turn ugly. These guys are our own cricketers. Why do you boo your own player?” said Ashwin
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