Indian cricketer and Rajasthan Royals player, R Ashwin, expressed his displeasure when asked about the recent online gambling ban in his home state, Tamil Nadu. The ban, which includes online rummy and poker, was approved by Governor RN Ravi. This development comes amid the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 season, which typically sees a surge in betting and gambling.
The question was posed to Ashwin during a promotional event for cricket apps in Chennai. The off-spinner questioned the media’s intentions, asking if they were seeking “the truth or a headline.” Ashwin went on to say that he felt the media was attempting to create a controversy, which he considered unfair.
When pressed on the connection between online gambling and cricket, Ashwin shifted the focus to the role of smartphones in children’s lives. He argued that mobile phones are responsible for children not going outside to play cricket, suggesting that taking away smartphones would encourage more children to play. Ashwin also stated that he would support any campaign that aimed to get children more involved in the sport.
As for the IPL, Ashwin’s Rajasthan Royals team has had a strong start to the season, winning two out of their first three matches. Ashwin himself has picked up four wickets thus far, with an average of 19.25 and an economy of 6.41. The Rajasthan Royals are set to face the Chennai Super Kings on April 12 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.