Govt asks channels not to show fall of Indian wickets to protect India’s image
New Delhi: The Indian government today asked all channels covering the ongoing Cricket World cup to refrain from showing fall of any Indian wicket. Talking to reporters after an emergency meeting, Minister for Home Mr. Rajnath Singh said showing Indian batsmen getting out in any manner portrayed India in bad light and could lead to law and order problems.
“Showing Indian batsmen getting out, whether by being clean bowled, caught behind, LBW or even silly run-outs, harms India’s image as a progressive and fast-growing nation. It shows Indian men batsmen as people who have no control over their shots. When people in UK see Rohit Sharma falling to a short delivery, they will get the wrong impression that all of us cannot play short balls. Even in India, anti-social elements can get motivated after watching the batsmen get out.”
He said the MHA will launch operation OSTRICH (Operation to Sanitize Telecast and Replay of Indian Cricket in Homes) which will be headed by Delhi Police commissioner Mr. BS Bassi.
Under the operation, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has been asked to come out with an advisory for all channels. The advisory will ask news and sports channels to replay footage from India’s triumph in 2011 edition. To facilitate this, Star has been asked to show all the matches with a 10 minute delay.
The minister also clarified that the ban advisory is applicable to all places of the world and not just to those coming under jurisdiction of Indian law. Channeling his inner Liam Neeson, Mr. Rajnath said, “No matter who you are, where you are. If you show such footage, I will find you and I will prosecute you.”
Welcoming the government’s decision, BJP said such decisions were needed if India was to regain its old position of dominance in world order. Sambit Patra, BJP spokesperson said that showing Indian batsmen getting out was also negatively affecting tourism in India. Firebrand BJP serial allegationist leader Dr. Subramanium Swamy also welcomed the decision saying, “This decision will help in making India a virat Hindu rashtra. I hope the govt. also looks into my report about Kookaboora balls being made by Indophobes funded by missionaries in Australia.”
Star Sports network said they are examining if they could show even more commercials under operation OSTRICH.
Ordinary Indian cricket fans were not contacted because their opinions do not count.
...... maybe ask forgiveness for your sins.
