Former India cricketer Ashok Malhotra on Wednesday apologised for his disparaging remarks wherein he labelled the Assam gamers of his time as “second-class residents”. Malhotra made the comment after Bengal suffered a shock loss to Assam within the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy pre-quarterfinals in Mohali on Tuesday. Malhotra, who additionally coached Bengal after his taking part in days, stated on air, “Humare zamane mein Assam ke crew ko second-class residents mana jata thaa (Throughout my taking part in days, the Assam crew was known as second-class citizen.”

A day later, Malhotra, who performed seven Exams and 20 ODIs for the nation, issued an unconditional apology on X following an uproar, saying, “I apologise profusely if I’ve harm Assam folks’s sentiments with my feedback in the course of the Assam v Bengal sport final night.

“I’m sorry. It was completely unintentional and was attempting to discuss their progress. I remorse it and provides an unconditional apology.” In the meantime, within the match, Assam captain Riyan Parag had notched up his seventh consecutive half-century as his crew thrashed Bengal by eight wickets to qualify for the SMAT quarterfinals.

I apologise profusely if I’ve harm Assam folks’s sentiments with my feedback in the course of the Assam v Bengal sport final night. I’m sorry. It was completely unintentional & was attempting to discuss their progress. I remorse it and provides an unconditional apology.

— Ashok Malhotra (@AshokMalhotra57) November 1, 2023

A video of Parag gesturing in direction of the commentary field and supposedly displaying his displeasure with Malhotra’s feedback has gone viral on social media. Parag had smashed an unbeaten 31-ball 50.

Riyan Parag notched up his seventh consecutive half-century as Assam defeated Bengal eight wickets to qualify for the quarterfinals.

Assam have been powered by an all-round present by their skipper Parag, who had earlier returned with figures of 4-0-23-2, whereas Akash Sengupta’s 3/29 helped them limit Bengal to a modest 138/8 of their 20 overs.

Invited to bat, just a few Bengal batters obtained begins however did not convert them into large knocks.

Karan Lal top-scored with 24 whereas opener Abhimanyu Easwaran made 21. Abhishek Porel made 23 and Kaushik Maity scored a late 21 not out.

Assam misplaced Denish Das (10) early within the fourth over however Rishav Das did effectively to hit a 26-ball 31.

Bishal Roy (45 not out, 36 balls, 6x4s, 1x6s) and Parag completed the job for his or her aspect, remaining unbeaten on 50 off 31 balls and hit 4 sixes and two fours within the course of.

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