"Calm down" - Former World No. 1 para shuttler Manasi Joshi clarifies her statement against cricket after backlash on social media

Former World No. 1 para shuttler Manasi Joshi has responded to the widespread backlash following her controversial remarks about funding for para sports. In a recent tweet addressing the criticism, she clarified her intent and urged critics to understand her perspective.

She found herself at the center of a heated social media controversy after her statement about prioritizing funding for para sports over cricket. Her comments sparked a wave of criticism, forcing the athlete to issue a clarification amidst escalating backlash.

“Guys, guys, calm down. I know how bodies run. My request is to brands not government. Government is already doing good job in funding our athletes,” tweeted Manasi Joshi.

Her clarification comes after a storm of reactions to her earlier post, where she urged more investment in para-sports while subtly questioning the Indian cricket team’s performance.

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What was Manasi Joshi’s earlier statement?

The controversy began on Friday, January 3, when Manasi Joshi posted a cryptic tweet on X (formerly Twitter), seemingly taking a subtle dig at the Indian cricket team's recent performance in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. Her tweet read:

“Cricket ka thoda funding para sports mein daalo plz. Hum better results dete hai. (Please allocate some of cricket's funding to para sports. We deliver better results).”

The tweet, perceived as both a critique of cricket’s dominance in funding and a self-assured claim about para-athletes delivering better results, didn’t sit well with cricket fans.

The Indian cricket team, currently trailing 2-1 in the Test series with their hopes of a World Test Championship final spot hanging by a thread, became the unintended target of Joshi’s frustration. Fans were quick to call out her statement, accusing her of ignorance regarding cricket’s financial independence.

Many also pointed out that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) operates independently of government funding, suggesting Joshi’s comparison was unfounded.

"Cricket is self-funded, Manasi. Get your facts right. Don’t try to seek unnecessary attention, focus on your game. Wishing you all the best!" wrote one user.

Here are a few more reactions: