Netizens criticise Harbhajan Singh's 'sexist' remarks towards Anushka Sharma and Athiya Shetty during India vs Australia World Cup match

India vs Australia World Cup: As the cricket action unfolded at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Anushka Sharma and Athiya Shetty, supporting their respective husbands Virat Kohli and KL Rahul, were spotted in the stands. Harbhajan Singh, engaged in commentary during the first innings when Kohli and Rahul were batting, diverted his attention to the actors, questioning their understanding of cricket. His words, captured by the cameras, stirred controversy as he was heard saying, "I was thinking whether the conversation is happening about cricket or films. Because I am not sure how much understanding they have about cricket."

Harbhajan Singh suggesting Anushka and Athiya lack cricket knowledge, saying ‘I don’t know if they’re talking about cricket or films, I don’t think they know much about cricket.’ Just doesn’t sit right, not coool

— Akriti Sharma (@akritiisharma) November 19, 2023

What’s with Harbhajan Singh’s misogynist comments on Anushka and Athiya?! “I don’t know if they’re talking about cricket or films, I don’t think they know much about cricket” Can the others in the commentary box ask him to stick to talking about those on the field? #CWC23Final pic.twitter.com/ubM25GscnG — Shilpa  (@shilpakannan) November 19, 2023

The fallout from his comments was immediate, with a wave of social media backlash calling out the cricketer-turned-commentator for his remarks, labeling them as misogynistic and inappropriate. Users on social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter), expressed disapproval of Singh's statement, highlighting the discomfort caused by his insinuation that the actors lacked knowledge about cricket.

One user wrote, "Harbhajan Singh suggesting Anushka and Athiya lack cricket knowledge, saying ‘I don’t know if they’re talking about cricket or films, I don’t think they know much about cricket.’ Just doesn’t sit right, not coool."

Another user raised concerns, stating, "What’s with Harbhajan Singh’s misogynist comments on Anushka and Athiya?! 'I don’t know if they’re talking about cricket or films, I don’t think they know much about cricket.' Can the others in the commentary box ask him to stick to talking about those on the field?"

The World Cup final was not only a cricketing spectacle but also a star-studded event, graced by the presence of Bollywood celebrities. Shah Rukh Khan, accompanied by his family - Gauri, Aryan, Suhana, and AbRam, and other stars like Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Ayushmann Khurrana, and Shanaya Kapoor, added glamor to the stands amidst the high-octane match.

Also Read: Kapil Dev posts message in support of Rohit Sharma after World Cup 2023 debacle; check here

- With inputs from agencies