Top BCCI Official Slams India Captain Virat Kohli For ‘Leave India’ Controversy

Amidst growing criticism, a senior BCCI official has blasted Kohli for his controversial statement on asking a fan to leave India for not liking Indian cricketers during a promotional event.

The criticism against Virat Kohli for his unsavoury ‘leave India’ remark to a cricket fan doesn’t seem to end very soon as now a top Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) official has also bashed the Indian captain for his comments during a promotional video. As per the reports in Mid-Day, it is learnt that the BCCI brass is not very pleased with Kohli’s statement and is looking to summon the skipper for his controversial remark.

“It was a very stupid comment to make. He should have been more careful. He must understand that the kind of money he is earning is because Indian fans have invested in this game. But again the comment was made on his private forum or business initiative. He hasn’t used a BCCI platform so that’s also an issue,” a senior official of the cricket body said.

The 30-year old was brutally trolled on social media after he asked a fan to leave the country if he did not like to watch Indian cricketers in action. During the official launch of his mobile application, a fan irked Kohli by confessing that his preference is more among English and Australian cricketers as compared to the men in blue.

“He (Virat) is an overrated batsman. Nothing seems special in his batting. I enjoy watching English and Australian batsmen more than these Indians,” the fan wrote.

Is #Kohli asking his non-Indian fans to leave their country and come to India.. Or to sort their priorities? #WTF pic.twitter.com/tRAX4QbuZI

— H (@Hramblings) November 6, 2018

Kohli admitted that he was not personally affected by the criticism but pointed out that if someone does not like Indian players while living in India then they should not be living in the country. “I don’t think you should live in India. Go and live somewhere else. Why are you living in our country and loving other countries? I don’t mind you not liking me. I don’t think you should live in our country and like other things. Get your priorities right,” the number one batsman in Tests and ODIs replied.

Having faced the wrath of social media users for a couple of days after publicly lashing out at a fan, India skipper Virat Kohli tried to tone down the issue somewhat on Thursday, saying he is “all for freedom of choice”.

“I guess trolling isn’t for me guys, I’ll stick to getting trolled! I spoke about how “these Indians” was mentioned in the comment and that’s all. I’m all for freedom of choice. Keep it light guys and enjoy the festive season. Love and peace to all,” Kohli said in a message on his official Twitter handle.