Is Cricket a Gentleman's Game?

Cricket is known to be a gentleman’s game!! But the youngsters in cricket teams have a completely different definition of the game. Like for instance the recent spout that took place between Harbhajan Singh and Sreeshant after the match between Punjab Kings XI and Mumbai Indians at Mohali. Where is the true spirit of sportsmanship between the players?, one wonders!!

Telly Buzz team caught up with some of the favorite stars of television who are also avid cricket buffs to find out what they think about the issue.

Karan Wahi:

Your views about the whole Sreeshant- Harbhajan issue that took place yesterday: It’s an ugly event and shouldn’t have happened. I also feel that it has happened between two aggressive people. Well till now nobody knows the fact, so I can't comment on that.Harbhajan has been under the line of fire recently because of issues with . Do you think he lets his temper get the better of him?: It's fine and at times they become little more physical, instead they should control and concentrate on the game and play the game with all spirit.

Bhajji has apologized saying that Sree is like a younger brother. Do you still feel it’s necessary for BCCI to intervene now?: Well, I guess BCCI will intervene as the code of conduct is breached. The problem is that Cricket and Bollywood rules and even if any thing is wrong with their shoe lace, it would be a big thing.

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Ayub Khan:

Your views about the whole Sreeshant- Harbhajan issue that took place yesterday: It is sad that such things become breaking news!! You can’t make a quarrel national news and about publicity, I don’t want to comment.

Harbhajan has been under the line of fire recently because of issues with . Do you think he lets his temper get the better of him?: When you play cricket, you can’t take a check of your emotions. I think it is in the spirit about the game.

Bhajji has apologized saying that Sree is like a younger brother. Do you still feel it’s necessary for BCCI to intervene now?: I feel like laughing out at this news being blown up. I don’t think BCCI should do anything.

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Faisal Raza Khan:

Your views about the whole Sreeshant- Harbhajan issue that took place yesterday: All is part of the game. According to me all these things are plotted to generate excitement amongst the viewers. They have these equipments earlier also and in future also you can expect such things. That is why we are saying it’s a ‘Masala Cricket’ and not a serious cricket. I feel its only publicity gimmick.

Harbhajan has been under the line of fire recently because of issues with . Do you think he lets his temper get the better of him?: It’s exactly like their USP and people like Bhajji and Sree will show it in the open. This incident shows that people like the funny part or anger associated with the game.

Bhajji has apologized saying that Sree is like a younger brother. Do you still feel it’s necessary for BCCI to intervene now?: I am absolutely shattered and for the first time I felt sad as this is the country I am born in. Why is the parliament discussing issues like cheerleaders and not something on the rising prices? Is this Indian democracy? I feel really sorry for !!

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Anand Suryavanshi:

Your views about the whole Sreeshant- Harbhajan issue that took place yesterday: I haven’t watched but just read in paper. Overall I believe that the person has apologized and now it is over. I think it has generated enough publicity to generate such kind of controversy. I personally feel it could not have been a publicity gimmick and it is very much possible. I think on-field friendship takes a back stage even if friends play, and all boils down to competition.

Harbhajan has been under the line of fire recently because of issues with . Do you think he lets his temper get the better of him?: Well in the past it has happened. The idea is to control and channelize the anger. There is nothing better than controlled aggression.

You think an incident like this will create a rift within the Indian cricket team?: I don’t know, to be honest I don’t think so. A similar thing had happened with other players also.

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Jai Bhanushali:

our views about the whole Sreeshant- Harbhajan issue that took place yesterday: I don’t know even about it! What are you saying.. it happened! Ohh God!! Earlier football was a rough game and now it is happening to cricket? I am really shocked to hear that Harbhajan did something like this! Might be a gimmick you never know!

Harbhajan has been under the line of fire recently because of issues with . Do you think he lets his temper get the better of him?: Well I feel they should have controlled and one can’t loose temper like this.

You think an incident like this will create a rift within the Indian cricket team?: Its a shame for Indian cricket team. Before doing this, one should have thought at least 10 times! Whatever the problem, Harbhajan should have sorted out in private and not publicly.

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Manav Vij:

Your views about the whole Sreeshant- Harbhajan issue that took place yesterday: It was a bad time, more so as they both were very good friends. But end of the day, it was a home ground and both wanted to play well. I feel may be Harbhajan didn’t perform that well, so there was this grudge and nothing else. I don’t believe that it is publicity gimmick and no one will cry in front before such a massive crowd.

Harbhajan has been under the line of fire recently because of issues with . Do you think he lets his temper get the better of him?: I feel it happens because they are passionate about the game. When the energy of anger makes win, then it is positive and now when something like this has happened its negative! But yes they have to control and follow the decorum as it is called the gentleman’s game. You think an incident like this will create a rift within the Indian cricket team?: Yes it can. IPL can even bring them together or make them away from each other.

Reporter: Melanie, Binita Ramchandani
Author: Melanie