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Opinion

Are top cricketers hypocritical?

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Roar Guru
8th March, 2023
5

This years Indian Premier League (IPL) has gained a lot of popularity and has become a lucrative option for many cricketers, especially female cricketers from Australia.

For the first time female Australian cricketers have been recruited by IPL teams, and they are earning a substantial amount of money.

This is a positive development for female cricketers who have been struggling to make a living from cricket alone. However, there is a growing concern that the money they are earning is coming from companies that they have publicly opposed in the past.

One such company is Dream11, an online fantasy sports platform that is the title sponsor of the IPL. Dream11 has been accused of promoting online gambling, which is illegal in many countries, including India.

Several Australian cricketers, including Ellyse Perry and Alyssa Healy, have been vocal about their opposition to gambling and its harmful effects on society. They have also campaigned for better awareness about the dangers of gambling and have advocated for stricter regulations.

However, by participating in the IPL and accepting money from Dream11, these cricketers are inadvertently promoting the very thing they have been speaking out against. This has led to accusations of hypocrisy and has raised questions about whether the cricketers are willing to compromise their principles for financial gain.

It is important to note that the issue is not limited to female cricketers from Australia. Many male cricketers, including those from India, have also faced similar criticism for endorsing products that go against their principles.

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For example, Indian cricketer Virat Kohli, who is known for his commitment to fitness and healthy living, has faced criticism for endorsing junk food products.

The debate over whether cricketers should be held accountable for the companies they endorse is an ongoing one. Some argue that cricketers have a responsibility to ensure that the companies they endorse align with their values, while others believe that cricketers should be free to make their own choices.

In the case of female Australian cricketers in the IPL, it is important to recognize that they are still relatively new to the world of professional cricket, and they may not have the same level of financial security as their male counterparts.

Virat Kohli of India bats.

Virat Kohli of India bats. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Therefore, it is understandable that they would want to take advantage of opportunities to earn money.

However, it is also important to acknowledge that there is a fine line between earning a living and compromising one’s principles. As role models for young fans, cricketers have a responsibility to be mindful of the messages they are sending by endorsing certain products or companies.

In conclusion, while it is certainly a positive development that female cricketers from Australia are earning a substantial amount of money in the IPL, it is also important to recognise the potential ethical implications of their participation.

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As the debate over the responsibility of cricketers to endorse products that align with their values continues, it is important for cricketers to be mindful of the messages they are sending to their fans and the broader community.

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