India lost to Pakistan in a cricket match yesterday and social media collectively lost its marbles.
Indian pacer Arshdeep Singh dropped a catch and received so much online vitriol that former cricketers had to leap to his defence. He's now being called a “Khalistani” on social media while his Wikipedia page was updated to say the same thing too. The Indian government has now summoned Wikipedia representatives to seek an explanation. (Update on September 6: Newslaundry has since learned that the representatives were not “summoned”; the government asked for information on the vandalised Wikipedia pages.)
Meanwhile, dozens of people shared videos claiming there were “celebrations in Kashmir” after Pakistan's victory; the Srinagar police had to step in and warn against fake news.
In the midst of all this chaos, could everyone's favourite journalist be far behind?
Sudhir Chaudhary, formerly of Zee News and now with Aaj Tak, offered his expert analysis on why India lost and Pakistan won. It's a tale as old as time, involving revenge, billionaires and hatred against India.
Half of the Indian players are billionaires
— Sudhir Chaudhary (@sudhirchaudhary) September 4, 2022
Indian players travel in private jets have lavish lifestyle and are superstars.
Yet Pakistani players pull off victories over us.
*Because they are fuelled by the hatred and revenge against India.
They will sacrifice a World Cup
Just to defeat India.
— Sudhir Chaudhary (@sudhirchaudhary) September 4, 2022
For Indian players it’s just another game of cricket but for Pakistanis it’s a game of life and death and their pride.
Thats why we let it go and Pakistanis fight till the last ball.
His commentary didn't go down well, also because he managed to annoy pretty much everyone with three tweets.
By that logic, news channel anchors have minted crores thanks to the hatred they have built over the years, spewing Hindu-Muslim and India-Pak hate. Your business model is based on generating more TRPs by polarising the citizens https://t.co/enrNjza9so
— Jency Jacob (@jencyjac) September 5, 2022
Horrid hatemonger. https://t.co/nJs1pn1E6k
— Sankarshan Thakur (@SankarshanT) September 5, 2022
The confidence to post such unhinged drivel on a consistent basis. https://t.co/ISDncNFAdZ
— Swaroop Swaminathan (@arseinho) September 5, 2022
Kids, be advised -- this is what happens when you fill your head with dung.
— Prem Panicker (@prempanicker) September 5, 2022
(Also, one narrow defeat is all it takes to let the air out of these flag waving gasbags) https://t.co/D1RM1PYBc4
Anyone who has even played one match of kho kho against next building team knows this is not how sport works. https://t.co/UdvBsrxGgu
— Chéchi Guevara (@TheRestlessQuil) September 5, 2022
Are government sources suggesting that Sudhir Chaudhary's account is from Pakistan? https://t.co/uuJoU12e3s
— Abhishek Baxi (@baxiabhishek) September 5, 2022
But what more can one expect from a man who once devoted an entire show to a “jihad chart”? Read our report for more.
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