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The legendary batter urged the fan group to change the flag and follow the rules.
Sunil Gavaskar is a former Indian cricketer who opened the batting. (Picture Credit: AFP)
Legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar criticised the popular supporters’ group — the Bharat Army — over its use of the Indian flag. Gavaskar requested to change the flag, which had “Bharat” and “Army” written over the saffron and green segments of the flag. While doing commentary for ABC Sport, during the second day of the first Test between India and Australia, Gavaskar expressed his disappointment over the flags at Perth’s Optus Stadium.
As per Section 2 of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, dishonouring the National Flag in public view or a public place by words, either spoken or written, will be punishable with imprisonment up to 3 years or with fine or with both.
“I know that in India it’s not accepted. I don’t think these [fans] are really Indians. I’m not too sure how many of them have Indian passports, so they probably don’t understand the value, the relevance, the importance of the Indian flag,” Sunil Gavaskar said, as per ABC News.
“All Indians, including me, are very grateful for the support that they bring to the Indian cricket team wherever the Indian cricket team is playing. We are really, really thankful and grateful for that, but I would request them not to have their group’s name on the India flag. Design a new flag of your own. If you design a new flag of your own, I will wear it with great pleasure,” Sunil Gavaskar added.
Formed in 1999, the Bharat Army is one of the most passionate cricket fan groups and it also travels worldwide to cheer for its beloved side. The group now, reportedly, comprises around 160,000 global members.
Despite the off-field controversy, the Bharat Army’s presence in Perth turned out to be a fruitful one as India won the opening Test and took a 1-0 lead in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Riding on Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli’s sublime knocks, India declared their second innings with a solid total of 487 at the loss of six wickets.
Chasing the target, Australia had to deal with a deadly Indian bowling attack and the visitors fell short of the target by 295 runs. India’s stand-in skipper Jasprit Bumrah was adjudged Player of the Match for his eight wickets in the game. The second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy is scheduled for December 6 at the Adelaide Oval.
