Irfan Pathan and Sunil Gavaskar have recently taken a strong stand against the Australian media’s treatment of Indian cricket star Virat Kohli, criticizing the perceived double standards and sensationalism that have characterized the coverage of Kohli’s actions during the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. Their comments come in light of an incident involving Kohli and Australia debutant Sam Konstas, which has ignited a media firestorm.

Irfan Pathan slams Australian media over the controversy

Pathan did not hold back in his condemnation of the Australian press, labeling their scrutiny of Kohli as a “witch hunt.” He argued that the media’s constant bashing of Kohli is not merely about cricket but rather an attempt to exploit his immense popularity to rekindle interest in the sport within Australia. Pathan pointed out the hypocrisy in the way Australian media has historically celebrated Kohli as a “king” one moment, only to vilify him as a “joker” the next. This inconsistency, he noted, reflects a broader trend where media outlets capitalize on cricketers’ fame while failing to hold their own players accountable for similar or worse behaviors on the field.

Pathan’s remarks were particularly pointed regarding an incident where Kohli was fined 20% of his match fee for shouldering Konstas during play. While acknowledging that Kohli’s actions were not defensible, Pathan emphasized that it is ultimately the responsibility of the International Cricket Council (ICC) to determine appropriate penalties. He criticized the media for blowing the incident out of proportion, suggesting that they are using Kohli’s image as a scapegoat to sell newspapers and generate buzz around cricket.

“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,” Pathan said on Star Sports.

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Sunil Gavaskar terms it as double standards at play

Gavaskar, another cricketing legend, echoed Pathan’s sentiments during a discussion. He highlighted how Australian media often adopts a dual standard—celebrating aggressive play when exhibited by their own players but condemning it harshly when it comes from opponents like Kohli. Gavaskar remarked that the media acts like the “12th man” for Australia, targeting players who pose significant challenges to their dominance in cricket. His comments underscore a long-standing frustration among Indian cricketers regarding how they are portrayed compared to their Australian counterparts.

“This is old news. It’s always ‘if we do it, it’s alright, if you do it, it’s a crime’,” Gavaskar concluded.

Gavaskar also recounted his own experiences with the Australian media, recalling how he faced intense scrutiny during his playing days. He emphasized that while aggression is often celebrated in Australian cricket culture, it becomes a point of contention when directed at their players. This selective outrage further complicates discussions around sportsmanship and fair play in cricket.

Here’s the video:

🗣 @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

Virat Kohli faced off-field challenges of privacy violation

The scrutiny faced by Kohli extends beyond the pitch. Recently, he encountered an altercation with Australian media personnel at an airport, where they attempted to photograph him alongside his family. This incident has further fueled discussions about the invasion of privacy that high-profile athletes endure, especially when they are vocal about wanting to protect their family’s privacy. Kohli’s insistence on maintaining boundaries for his family adds another layer of complexity to his public persona and highlights the challenges athletes face in balancing personal life with public expectations.

Also WATCH: Yashasvi Jaiswal’s run out blunder with Virat Kohli leaves India reeling on Day 2 of the AUS vs IND 4th Test

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