In our society, there is this notion that women do not know or understand much about sports. People, especially men, are taken aback when they come across women passionately talking about sports or religiously following players, their matches and world-class tournaments. This take is undoubtedly sexist and regressive.
Harbhajan Singh perpetuated this stereotype while commentating during India versus Australia Cricket World Cup Final match that took place on Sunday in Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium. Anushka Sharma and Athiya Shetty were spotted sitting together and as the camera focused on them, Harbhajan Singh said, “Aur main yeh soch raha tha ki baat cricket ki ho rahi hai ya filmon ki. Kyunki cricket ke bare mein to janta nahi kitni samajh hogi.”
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Here’s a video of his commentary:
harbhajan singh in the comm box just said "idk if they're (anushka and athiya) talking about cricket or films, I don't think they have much knowledge about cricket"#Worlds2023#INDvsAUSfinalpic.twitter.com/r5GhJ2gnjZ
— 133*𓃵 (@133_NotOut) November 19, 2023
Several people online slammed Bhajji for his sexist take on Anushka and Athiya by saying that they do not understand much about cricket. Here’s a look at some of the reactions:
“Baat cricket ki ho rahi hogi ya films ki, kyonki cricket ke baare mein toh, main jaanta nahi ki kitni samajh hogi,” says Harbhajan Singh in a sniggering, sexist quip during live commentary when the camera pans to Anushka Sharma & Athiya Shetty. https://t.co/2QiEDwcfXv
— Shiv Aroor (@ShivAroor) November 20, 2023
Harbhajan Singh shouldn’t be part of commentary. He is misogynist. @harbhajan_singh
apologise immediately. @AnushkaSharma@theathiyashetty@klrahul@imVkohli pic.twitter.com/2yQOZvV7CR— Dee ♥️ (@deeptantalizing) November 19, 2023
Not only does Harbhajan Singh cry about his ex team mate on Twitter 24*7, he also sits and passes extremely misogynistic comments, today about Anushka and Athiya Shetty, during his commentary stint. Never seen a more shameless man. Pathetic 👎🏻
— Bhavya M. (@BhavyaaDhoni) November 19, 2023
Y'day Harbhajan commented on Athiya and Anushka. I dare him to comment on the political leaders sitting in the stands laughing amongst themselves while the team was struggling on the field.#worldcupfinal2023 #cwc23final
— 𝔐𝔬𝔰𝔥𝔞🕊️🌼🌻 (@itssushasfam) November 20, 2023
Harbhajan Singh is a graceless sexist lout for attacking Anushka Sharma & Athiya Shetty. You have to be blind, blinkered & prejudiced not see see the beautiful relationship Virat & Anushka share. He’s lucky to have such a supportive partner
— Swati Chaturvedi (@bainjal) November 20, 2023
Harbhajan Singh has nothing but the audacity wdym athiya and Anushka are talking and this man has the audacity to say cricket ki samjh kitni hogi pta nhi movies ke baare mein baat kr rhe honge WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG
— icedmocha coffee (@RIVERROADHABIT) November 19, 2023
Did Harbhajan Singh doing commentary just say that Anushka and Athiya probably don't know much about cricket? Vile
— Ria Chopra 🐍 (@riachops) November 19, 2023
Some might call this a harmless joke. But Bhajji is not the only person saying so. Innumerable people in this world actually do believe that women do not understand sports. Such a belief leads to undermining the significant contributions of female athletes and female sports fans across the world.