Parvez Rasool, who debuted in the first match of the India vs England T20I, has landed into a deep trouble after an incident that took place during the game. The dust has not yet settled after the Zaira Wasim controversy and India’s only international cricketer from Jammu & Kashmir has fired up another one.
It was a proud moment for Parvez Rasool as he was recalled to the Indian side after a three years lull. All eyes were set on the player as he was also debuting in T20Is, however, just before the game, during the national anthem, he was seen chewing a gum and standing at ease while his other teammates stood at attention and sang the national anthem. And all of a sudden, people started criticizing him for being respectful and Rasool’s proud moment turned into his biggest nightmare.
See the video here:
https://twitter.com/raju2k84/status/824690844905181185
As per the Section 3 of the Prevention of Insult to National Honour Act, 1971, if someone intentionally prevents the singing of the Indian National Anthem or causes disturbance to any assembly engaged in such singing shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both.
In Parvez Rasool’s case, he neither prevented the singing of the Indian National Anthem or caused any disturbance and the the benefit of the doubt has to be with Rasool, who might have been preoccupied with thoughts about his T20I debut and performing after returning to the Indian team. Further, the video does not prove to be conclusive and it looks like Rasool might have been singing the anthem as well.
However, fans aren’t having any of this, as for them, he was clearly standing “at ease” and chewing a gum in a manner that would mean disrespect to the national anthem and they quickly turned to Twitter.
#1
Dear @imVkohli @msdhoni – pls drop #parvezrasool from Team India. Players who refuse to honour our anthem do not deserve to represent India.
— Sandeep J (@sandyjune1988) January 26, 2017
#2
During national anthem, Kashmir cricket player #ParvezRasool was chewing bubble gum, He don't deserve to play for India #Shame
— Arvind Kushwaha🇮🇳 (@iArvindKushwaha) January 26, 2017
#3
https://twitter.com/LillyMaryPinto/status/824840541300887557
#4
There is no dearth of talent in India.If #parvezrasool can't respect National Anthem simply kick him out of the team.Such arogance I tell u🙄
— Sheetal Mishra 🌼 (@itssitu) January 27, 2017
#5
https://twitter.com/FreddieFaizan/status/824654281907310593
#6
Parvez Rasool spoted not singing National anthem; Shameful; Bcci must take action against him.
— Palash Saraswat (@PalashSaraswat) January 26, 2017
#7
Shame on #parvezrasool he is not deserve for #indiancricket_team https://t.co/m7FQVi8pio
— kuldeep Passi (@kuldeep038) January 26, 2017
#8
@imVkohli @anilkumble1074 @BCCI who can't respect our national anthem they don't deserve for play for national team #parvezrasool.
— 🇮🇳 हिन्दुस्तानी 🇮🇳 (@kumarsaketraj1) January 26, 2017
#9
#ParvezRasool Please have some respect for our country and national anthem, Don't ruin Kashmiris Image in India by doing such a shameful act
— Divy Singh (@DivySingh10) January 26, 2017
India went on losing the match by 7 wickets while Parvez Rasool finished with figures of 32 for 1 in his 4 overs. Incidents like this have a very short lifeline and it may be forgotten after Rasool performs better in the coming games. However, it is yet to be seen whether BCCI will ignore his act or take an action against the off-spinner.
P.S. The Indian cricket team is a symbol of national pride and the players gradually become role models at times. It would really help Rasool, if he comes out and simply clarify his stand on the matter.
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27 January 2017
Rohan Jaitly