On 'Second-Class Citizens' Remark About Assam Cricket Team, Ex-India Star Apologises

Former India cricketer Ashok Malhotra on Wednesday apologised for his disparaging remarks in which he labelled the Assam players of his time as "second-class citizens". Malhotra made the remark after Bengal suffered a shock loss to Assam in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy pre-quarterfinals in Mohali on Tuesday. Malhotra, who also coached Bengal after his playing days, said on air, "Humare zamane mein Assam ke team ko second-class citizens mana jata thaa (During my playing days, the Assam team was called second-class citizen."

A day later, Malhotra, who played seven Tests and 20 ODIs for the country, issued an unconditional apology on X following an uproar, saying, "I apologise profusely if I have hurt Assam people's sentiments with my comments during the Assam v Bengal game last evening.

"I am sorry. It was totally unintentional and was trying to speak about their progress. I regret it and give an unconditional apology." Meanwhile, in the match, Assam captain Riyan Parag had notched up his seventh consecutive half-century as his team thrashed Bengal by eight wickets to qualify for the SMAT quarterfinals.

I apologise profusely if I have hurt Assam people's sentiments with my comments during the Assam v Bengal game last evening. I am sorry. It was totally unintentional & was trying to speak about their progress. I regret it and give an unconditional apology.

A video of Parag gesturing towards the commentary box and supposedly showing his displeasure with Malhotra's comments has gone viral on social media. Parag had smashed an unbeaten 31-ball 50.

Riyan Parag notched up his seventh consecutive half-century as Assam defeated Bengal eight wickets to qualify for the quarterfinals.

Assam were powered by an all-round show by their