BCCI's Beer Hug: A debate on personal choice of celebrities

The Indian cricket team now has its own censor board! We know that Team India set foot on the Caribbean soil to face West Indies in a four-Test series, a few days ago. But when the team members — K.L. Rahul, Stuart Binny and Umesh Yadav — posted pictures of themselves on social media, relaxing with a pint of beer, the act didn’t go down well with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).  

Miffed at the players for “setting a bad example,” the board asked them through manager Riyaz Bagwan to behave themselves. The post has even been deleted from their official Twitter handles, following the BCCI reaction.

However, the question is, do players really need censorship, keeping in mind that they have personal lives and interests? Spinner Pragyan Ojha says, “I agree that players have a personal life, but messages put on social media should be well thought of, especially when youre on an official tour. Many youngsters look up to us, and we should set a good example. When I was younger, I used to look up to the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag and Anil Kumble — but they never did such things. I think when you are a role model to many, its better to be careful.”

But, isn’t the BCCI uncomfortable in hosting the Indian Premier League (IPL), which is known for its sleazy after-parties? Capt. Manohar Sharma, former Ranji Trophy player and former treasurer of Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA), says that what the players did is not a big crime — “Playing cricket is very strenuous; we would like the cricketers to relax and unwind. To be frank, during my time, we had a lot of fun at West Indies. But, we did not publicise it. Even the IPL after-parties are inside four walls. It’s just that there is a slight moral responsibility, which is expected when you’re a celebrity.”

Are the IPL parties really limited to four walls? IPL claims to have done away with the after-parties, but it’s not uncommon to see pictures of cricketers with alcohol. And, aren’t the players given champagne to celebrate after winning a tournament during the post-match presentations?

Mithali Raj, captain of the Indian womens cricket team, opines, “There are two sides to the issue. Firstly, Rahul, Binny and Yadav haven’t been in the team for too long. They must focus more on cementing their spot. Secondly, yes, players have a personal life, but when you’re an idol to many, be it cricketers, actors or any celebrity, people follow you. You don’t see Virat Kohli and M.S. Dhoni posting such pictures, because they know the consequences. A few pictures must be left private and not made public.” Do you think the BCCI should loosen up or do you think that the players did set a wrong example?