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Irfan Pathan Slams Aussie Media for Hypocrisy, Recalls Double Standards in Cricket.
NEW DELHI: Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan did not criticize the Australian media for their treatment of Virat Kohli during the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Speaking on Star Sports, Pathan called out the media’s hypocrisy, highlighting their swift shift from praising Kohli as “king” to ridiculing him as a “joker” and a “clown” following an altercation with Australian debutant Sam Konstas.
The incident unfolded on Day 1 of the Test when Kohli, known for his aggressive on-field demeanor, bumped shoulders with Konstas during a tense moment in the game. The ICC fined Kohli 20% of his match fee and handed him a demerit point for the action. While disciplinary measures from the ICC were expected, the Australian media’s harsh labeling of Kohli sparked a strong reaction from Pathan.
🗣 @IrfanPathan Pathan doesn’t hold back, calls out the #Australian media on the Kohli-Konstas incident 🫣#AUSvINDOnStar 👉 4th Test, Day 2 LIVE NOW! | #ToughestRivalry #BorderGavaskarTrophy pic.twitter.com/S26P7Oq3b0
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) December 27, 2024
Pathan voiced his frustration, stating, “First of all, the newspapers and even some ex-cricketers here are showing heights of double standards. One moment you are hailing a man as king, and the very next moment, when he shows some aggression on the field, you are going to call him a joker? We have never supported what he (Kohli) has done, but the referee is going to do his job, the necessary action will be taken. But calling him a joker after all of that? You are just using him and trying to make cricket famous in the country again. But how are you doing that? You are using Virat Kohli’s market value, and we will absolutely not accept that.”
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Pathan drew attention to his personal experience with what he termed unfair treatment during his playing days. He recalled being fined for clapping after dismissing Australian batter Damien Martyn, even though Martyn had hurled an insult at him. Reflecting on the incident, Pathan said, “When I got fined for the first time, I had just made a clap while Damien Martyn hurled an insult. But I was the one who could be seen on camera clapping, and I got fined. Damien Martyn escaped scot-free.”
The comments highlighted the broader issue of double standards in cricket and the imbalance in how players from different nations are treated. Pathan’s remarks resonated with many fans and former players, as they called out the selective outrage and exploitation of Kohli’s star power to drive media attention.
As Kohli continues to face scrutiny on and off the field, the controversy has reignited debates about fairness in cricket and the media’s role in shaping public perception. Pathan’s criticism served as a reminder of the challenges faced by players who often walk the fine line between passion and professionalism in a highly competitive environment.
