Introduction:

The India vs Australia World Cup final not only saw intense on-field action but also stirred controversy off the pitch, as former cricketer Harbhajan Singh faced criticism for his comments regarding actors Anushka Sharma and Athiya Shetty. The cricketer's remarks, perceived as sexist, ignited a social media storm, prompting netizens to slam him for questioning the women's understanding of cricket.

Controversial Commentary:

During the World Cup final, as the camera captured Anushka Sharma and Athiya Shetty cheering for their husbands, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul, Harbhajan Singh, who was in the commentary box, made a questionable remark. He expressed uncertainty about whether the conversation between the actors pertained to cricket or films, stating, "I don't know how much understanding they have about cricket."

Social Media Outrage:

Harbhajan Singh's comments swiftly spread across social media platforms, with users condemning the cricketer for what they deemed a misogynistic take. Criticism poured in on X (formerly Twitter), where users expressed their disapproval of Singh's remarks. 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 cool."

Another user questioned Harbhajan Singh's place in the commentary box, urging others to redirect the discussion back to the on-field events. The controversy has led to calls for an immediate apology from the former cricketer.

Social Media Backlash:

The social media backlash against Harbhajan Singh's comments intensified, with users sharing their disappointment and urging him to apologize. One user shared a video clip of the moment, tagging Harbhajan Singh and demanding an immediate apology. The incident has not only overshadowed the World Cup final but has also reignited discussions on sexism in sports commentary.

Industry Presence:

The India vs Australia World Cup final was a star-studded event, with celebrities like Shah Rukh Khan, Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Ayushmann Khurrana, and Shanaya Kapoor gracing the stands. However, Harbhajan Singh's controversial commentary has shifted the focus away from the match's glamour to a discussion about the importance of respectful and non-sexist language in sports commentary.

Conclusion:

Harbhajan Singh's commentary during the India vs Australia World Cup final has stirred controversy, with his remarks against Anushka Sharma and Athiya Shetty being widely criticized for their sexist undertones. The incident underscores the importance of promoting gender sensitivity in sports commentary and the entertainment industry at large. As discussions on social media continue, it remains to be seen how this controversy will impact Harbhajan Singh's future roles in sports commentary.