Netizens are calling for a boycott of Star Sports on Twitter
Star Sports, one of India’s leading broadcasters, which hosts the immensely famous Indian Premier League (IPL), was recently involved in a dispute during the current IPL season.
It all started when, on May 12, the network invited controversial comedian Munawar Faruqui to appear on their pre-match show. However, it didn’t go well with many spectators, and Star Sports’ decision to have him on the panel stirred a widespread backlash.
Why is boycott Star Sports trending on Twitter after Hindu hating comedian Munawar Faruqui presents IPL 2023 show
The reason behind the "Boycott Star Sports" trend was the presence of controversial comedian Munawar Faruqui in the TATA IPL broadcast.
Note : Munawar Faruqui is quite famous for cracking anti-Hindu jokes.#BoycottStarSports #MunawarFaruqi @StarSportsIndia pic.twitter.com/ZChFUty9sw
— 𝗦𝘂𝗯𝗵 🇮🇳 (@Shubhh_OM) May 16, 2023
This Munavar provide stage by Disney Hotstar and what’s happens with Nupur ma’am for telling truth what’s happen. in India disgusting boycott star sports all channel and watch free #IPL on #JioCinema
#BoycottStarSports ❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌ pic.twitter.com/MdJlMrrydc— ᴍᴏɴᴛᴜ ʙʜᴀɴᴅᴀʀɪ🏏🇮🇳 (@m2leo3) May 16, 2023
I'll rather watch Rest of IPL & also urge everyone to Boycott Star Sports & watch IPL on Jio Cinema than on @StarSportsIndia for them giving a platform to this hinduphobe Munawar Faruqui who made fun of Hindu Gods in name of "comedy"#BoycottStarSports pic.twitter.com/RovmojetFl
— Rosy (@rose_k01) May 15, 2023
Munawar Faruqui’s presence during the Mumbai Indians vs. Gujarat Titans game on Star Sports on Friday sparked a flurry of responses. Along with Bollywood actor Anil Kapoor and the distinguished Star Sports expert panel, the renowned comedian graced the pre-match event. However, his presence seemed to unsettle a number of viewers.
Faruqui’s broadcast appearance quickly sparked a firestorm of outrage on Twitter. Several people questioned why he was allowed so much space and demands to boycott the channel swiftly gained traction. On social media platforms, the event spurred intense debates and contrasting viewpoints.
Why do netizens call for a boycott of Star Sports?
For those who are unaware, Munawar Faruqui is a well-known Indian stand-up comedian renowned for his sardonic humor and socio-political satire. Yet in the past, his name has been linked to various social and legal controversies.
He ran into legal issues at the beginning of 2021 and spent a brief time in jail after being accused of making disrespectful comments about Hindu deities during his multiple performances. He later received bail, but the episode sparked contentious discussions about censorship and free expression in India.
Due to this, he and his shows met with serious circumstances on multiple occasions. His shows were canceled many times and faced violent resistance.
Even in the recent instance, which happened during the IPL, people were calling for the boycott of Star Sports, giving the justification that Munawar Faruqui hurt the religious sentiments of Hindus.
Nonetheless, once the debate broke out on Twitter, Faruqui’s supporters came out in support of his idol and praised his talent and nature. While one user called Faruqui “the best artist” and an inspiration, another prayed for his well-being.