Pathan Slams Australian Media's 'Hypocrisy' for Exploiting Virat Kohli's Market Value in Fiery Rant

After facing harsh critiques from Australian former cricketers and newspapers, ex-Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan staunchly defended Kohli, highlighting the double standards evident in the Australian criticisms.

Speaking on Star Sports’ show, Pathan said “First of all the newspapers and the media here, even the Australian ex-cricketers, they have crossed the limit on their hypocrisy. First they are making one guy the king, and right after that if he shows aggression, you are calling him a joker.”

Pathan referred to the headlines and articles targeting Kohli for his shove on Konstas early on day one, and also mentioned how the Indian end wasn’t trying to exonerate Kohli but just leave matters in the hands of officials.

“We don’t support it, all we said was the match referee will make the decision. Just because you want to sell, you’re making him from a king to a joker, just to make cricket more popular,” argued Pathan.

“You’re climbing Virat Kohli’s shoulders, you’re using him, using his market value and taking advantage of it,” he continued. “We will not accept this, as ex-cricketers we cannot accept it, especially Indian cricketers.”

Pathan comments on Damien Martyn incident

Pathan also brought up an incident between him and Australian batter Damien Martyn in 2004, and how he went through a similar tale even back then. “This has been happening for many years, and will happen again in the future if we don’t nip it in the bud right now. The first time I was fined was when I had dismissed Damien Martyn, I had just clapped but Martyn was the one who started insulting me. He became quiet while I was clapping and I got caught, paid the fine, and he was left alone,” explained the left-armer.

He didn’t hold back any punches as he questioned the attitude of the Australian media at large towards visiting teams, calling them out for this sort of hypocrisy. “This conduct of theirs has been their conduct for many years. Those of us who come here should follow the law, but you yourselves will not,” he concluded.

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