A promotional video by Kayo Sports, which featured Australian cricketers mocking their Indian counterparts for allegedly not shaking hands, has been removed following backlash. The video, created before India’s victory in the Asia Cup final against Pakistan, was seen as insensitive due to the political tensions between India and Pakistan.
The video, which included prominent players such as Alyssa Healy, Josh Hazlewood, and Glenn Maxwell, was reportedly filmed in collaboration with satirists The Grade Cricketer. It was produced in response to an incident where Indian players reportedly refused to shake hands with their Pakistani opponents, a gesture influenced by the strained relations between the two nations following a terror attack in Pahalgam, India.
Context and Background
The video was released ahead of India’s white-ball cricket tour of Australia, set to begin in Perth. However, it was filmed nearly four weeks before the Asia Cup final, on September 2 or 3, and did not directly reference that match. Instead, it was aimed at a previous incident involving India and England during a Test match in Manchester.
During the fourth Test, Indian players Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar opted to continue batting instead of shaking hands to end the match early, which led to frustration among the English team. The promotional video capitalized on this incident, with host Sam Perry humorously suggesting that India’s reluctance to engage in traditional handshakes could be a strategic advantage for Australia.
Public Reaction and Video Removal
The video faced immediate backlash on social media, particularly from Indian fans who found the content offensive. In response to the uproar, Kayo Sports swiftly removed the video to prevent further controversy ahead of the upcoming tour.
According to sources familiar with the production, The Grade Cricketer’s involvement was limited to following a script provided by Kayo. Sam Perry, the host, did not participate in directing or editing the video. The Grade Cricketer team only became aware of the video’s removal after receiving backlash online.
Industry Reactions and Implications
The incident comes at a sensitive time as The Grade Cricketer has recently partnered with Foxtel, Kayo’s parent company. A spokesperson for Kayo and Foxtel declined to comment on the situation.
Mitchell Marsh, Australia’s one-day international captain, expressed his unawareness of the controversy, stating, “I actually haven’t seen the ad, so I don’t know what’s blowing up.” Meanwhile, Cricket Australia and the Board of Control for Cricket in India have not issued any statements regarding the matter.
Looking Ahead
This incident highlights the delicate nature of sports diplomacy, especially in cricket, where political tensions can often spill over into the sporting arena. As India prepares for its tour of Australia, both teams will likely aim to focus on the game rather than off-field controversies.
Moving forward, sports organizations and media partners may need to exercise greater sensitivity in their promotional content, particularly when it involves international rivalries with complex political underpinnings. The episode serves as a reminder of the powerful role media plays in shaping public perceptions and the potential repercussions of misjudged humor in a global context.
