In a recent development in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, Mumbai Indians’ stalwart and Team India captain, Rohit Sharma, publicly criticized the IPL’s official television broadcaster, Star Sports, for allegedly breaching his privacy.
Rohit Sharma takes down Star Sports
Rohit Sharma expressed his displeasure over his private conversation being recorded and aired despite his explicit request to the broadcaster not to do so. He took to social media to voice his concerns, stating that the broadcaster’s actions could potentially erode the trust between fans, cricketers, and cricket.
A video shared by Kolkata Knight Riders, involving Rohit and KKR assistant coach Abhishek Nayar, in which the former was purportedly seen contemplating his future at the Mumbai Indians, went viral on May 11. KKR subsequently deleted the video from its social media pages.
On May 16, Rohit was seen having a chat with Dhawal Kulkarni ahead of MI’s fixture against Lucknow Super Giants. The opener requested the broadcaster to turn off the audio when he noticed that the cameras were once again directed towards him.
The lives of cricketers have become so intrusive that cameras are now recording every step and conversation we are having in privacy with our friends and colleagues, at training or on match days.
Despite asking Star Sports to not record my conversation, it was and was also then…
— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) May 19, 2024
Star Sports responds to Rohit Sharma
In response to Rohit Sharma’s allegations, Star Sports issued a clarification. The broadcaster stated that it respects players’ privacy and denied recording any audio from a conversation between Rohit Sharma and his friends along the boundary line before a game at the Wankhede Stadium. They further clarified that the clip, which only showed Rohit Sharma requesting for the audio of his conversation not to be recorded, was featured in Star Sports’ live coverage of pre-match preparations and lacked editorial relevance beyond this.
“A clip involving a senior Indian player and his post on social media have gained prominence since yesterday. The clip, taken during a training session on May 16 at Wankhede stadium, for which Star Sports had authorised access, momentarily showed the senior player in conversation with his friends on the sidelines,” Star Sports said in a statement.
Star Sports emphasized that it has always adhered to the highest standards of professional conduct while broadcasting cricket all over the world. They asserted that respect for players’ privacy while bringing fans moments of intense action and preparation sits at the core of their ethos.
“No audio from this conversation was either recorded or broadcast. The clip, which only showed the senior player requesting for the audio of his conversation to not be recorded, got featured in Star Sports’ live coverage of pre-match preparations and lacked editorial relevance beyond this.”
“Star Sports has always adhered to the highest standards of professional conduct while broadcasting cricket all over the world. Respect for players’ privacy while bringing fans, moments of intense action and preparations, sits at the core of this ethos, which the broadcaster remains committed to,” it added.
This incident has sparked discussions about media ethics and respect for players’ personal boundaries. Fans also joined Rohit in criticizing the broadcaster for the alleged breach of privacy.
Also Read: Virat Kohli invites Chris Gayle to return to IPL as an Impact Player
 2024, Mumbai Indians’ stalwart and Team India captain, Rohit Sharma, publicly criticized the IPL’s official television broadcaster, Star Sports, for allegedly breaching his privacy.){kind=link}