Trinamool Congress member and former Indian cricketer Kirti Azad sparked an online controversy after criticizing the airing of condom advertisements during the live telecast of the India-England T20 international match at Old Trafford.
Speaking to X, Azad questioned whether such ads were appropriate during a sporting event watched by families and children. “Children are watching the T20 international match between India and England live at Old Trafford. Isn’t it a shame that an adult ad for Durex appears on screen,” he wrote. He also tagged BCCI in his post.
The post quickly gained traction on the social media platform, garnering more than 326,000 views and more than 700 comments, with users sharply divided over the issue.
Internet users react
Many users agreed with Azad’s concerns, saying that cricket matches are family entertainment and ads of this kind can make for uncomfortable viewing.
One user commented, “That’s true sir. I also felt ashamed of it and quit watching it.”
“Even as an adult, I felt embarrassed watching those ads with my parents,” another wrote.
However, many other people defended the ads, saying they promote awareness about safe sex and contraception rather than inappropriate content.
“On the contrary, Mr. Azad, given the population explosion, this is much more important than anything else. Educating children. The playground is a great platform to raise awareness,” one user responded.
Another questioned the criticism, writing: “Why is this shameful? Give me one reason. It’s actually a good way to teach control and safety. Condoms are important in today’s world. People need to be made aware.”
A third user added: “Why is this a problem? If your kids are teenagers, they should know this is birth control. My parents told us about birth control at the age of 10 or so.”
Azad’s comments came during the live broadcast of the second T20I match between India and England at Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester on Saturday. In an entertaining contest, England chased down India’s target of 191 with four wickets remaining, reaching the total in 19 overs.
Jacob Bethell starred for the home team with an unbeaten 76 off 46 deliveries, helping England take a 1-0 lead in the five-match T20I series.
Also read: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s debut burns brightly and breaks early, but doesn’t seem swallowed up at all by the bigger stage
