Parvez Rasool’s father: Media did not attack Ganguly for chewing gum during national anthem

03/02/2017

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Ghulam Rasool, Parvez Rasool’s father, has pointed out the media’s double standards in criticising his son for chewing a gum during the national anthem at the start of his debut T20I match against England. Ghulam Rasool insisted that it is a common practice, and even Sourav Ganguly had done it.

Even before a ball was bowled in the first T20I between India and England earlier this year, Parvez Rasool, who made his T20I debut in that game, had already made it to the headlines due to a controversy. The 28-year-old Jammu and Kashmir off-spinner was slammed on social media and by various media organisations for chewing a gum when India’s national anthem was being played at the start of the game.

However, his father Ghulam Rasool has pointed out an old incident when former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly did a similar thing, but he hardly faced any media criticism.

I have seen Sourav Ganguly also chewing gum during one of the matches when our Ja Na Ga Na Ma Na was being played.

Ghulam Rasool

"I have seen Sourav Ganguly also chewing gum during one of the matches when our Ja Na Ga Na Ma Na was being played but surprisingly media did not attack him and only targeted Parvez," Ghulam told the Deccan Chronicle.

But, Ghulam agreed that his son should not have done that mistake but said that it is a very common practice among cricketers. He said, "Many players chew gum during the matches and my son was no exception. But at least he should have kept his mouth clean when the national anthem was being played.

"Anyhow, I shall certainly ask my son to not make this mistake again and respect the country.”