Disability rights groups have criticised former cricketers Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh and Suresh Raina for “mocking” people with disabilities in a video in which they attempt to replicate a popular dance step from actress Vicky Kaushal’s song “Tauba Tauba”.
The former cricketers shared the video on Instagram after the Indian champions defeated the Pakistan champions by five wickets in the World Championship of Legends final.
In the video, Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh and Raina can be seen limping and holding their backs, showing the physical toll the match has taken on their bodies.
“Legendary cricketer’s body becomes tauba tauba in 15 days. Every part of the body hurts. Going head to head with our brothers @vickykaushal09, @karanaujla. Our version of the tauba tauba dance. What a song,” the caption of the video read.
Disability activists consider the video to be in poor taste.
The National Disability Rights Platform called the video “utterly disgraceful.”
“Words are not enough to condemn such an act especially coming from people who are considered national heroes. Such a degrading act only reveals their utter callousness and crudeness,” the NPRD said in a post on X.
Arman Ali, executive director of the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Persons with Disabilities, has urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to take notice of the video.
“It is disgusting to see top Indian cricketers making fun of a disability. It is a shameful and cruel act by players who are revered by the masses. Shame on them. I urge the BCCI to take immediate note of this matter,” he said.
Disability rights activist Satendra Singh said these cricketers were role models for many Indians and Yuvraj Singh, who has been battling cancer, should have shown more empathy.
“They need to be considerate as many people are following their behaviour and they will also emulate their actions. They have no remorse and are making fun of disabled people,” he told PTI.
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