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Xtra Time Web Desk: Star Sports, the official broadcaster of IPL 2024, has issued a clarification following Rohit Sharma's strong social media statement accusing them of breaching his privacy. The broadcaster emphasized its commitment to respecting players' privacy and firmly denied recording any audio from a conversation between the former Mumbai Indians captain and his friends along the boundary line before a game at Wankhede Stadium on May 16.

Rohit Sharma raised concerns that broadcasting private conversations between players could erode trust among fans, cricketers, and the sport itself. He mentioned that he had previously requested Star Sports not to record audio of such pre-game chats, although he did not specify which conversation prompted his recent complaint.

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Abhishek nayar Rohit Sharma chat after prematch practice session ????
Will hitman play last year in MI ??#RohitSharma pic.twitter.com/cP2pyeh70O

— ???????????????????????????? ???????????????????????? (@sau100mishra45) May 11, 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," Star Sports said in a statement.

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.

'Star Sports has always adhered to the highest standards of professional conduct while broadcasting cricket all over the world. Respect for players' privacy while bringing fans, moments of intense action and preparations, sits at the core of this ethos, which the broadcaster remains committed to," it added.

Rohit’s candid moments captured on camera have been a recurring feature during his tenure with both MI and the Indian national team, sometimes leading to mixed reactions. Recently, a friendly pre-game discussion between Rohit and Kolkata Knight Riders' batting coach Abhishek Nayar went viral, sparking speculation about Rohit's future with MI. The video, shared widely on social media, was later deleted by KKR.

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Captain Rohit Sharma posted on X

The lives of cricketers have become so intrusive that cameras are now recording every step and conversation we are having in privacy with our friends and colleagues, at training or on match days.
Shame on Star Sports pic.twitter.com/SGm3ioM0DT

— KrrishnaTweets (@KAakrosh) May 19, 2024

The controversy escalated when another video surfaced, showing Rohit pleading with folded hands to the broadcasting team not to record his personal conversations with players and coaches before MI's final game of the season against Lucknow Super Giants on May 17.