Anushka Sharma On Claims That Selectors Served Her Tea During World Cup: Will Not Be A Pawn To Be Used By Anyone’s Agendas

Anushka Sharma’s marriage to Indian Cricket Team captain Virat Kohli has several times in the past become a topic of controversy when it comes to the game and those that consider it a religion. In another such incident recently, former Indian wicket keeper Farokh Engineer slammed the Indian selection committee and claimed that all they did during the world cup was fetch tea for Anushka Sharma.  In a controversial statement to Times Of India he was quoted saying aginst the committee, “All they were doing was getting Anushka Sharma (Kohli’s wife) cups of tea.”

This is not the first time, Anushka Sharma has been in the line of fire since she has been dating Virat Kohli. Cricket fans have often slammed the actress when Virat underperformed in matches or when she accompanied the India Cricket Team on tours.

The actress who has often maintained dignified silence on the flak she received till now. After Farokh Engineer’s comments, Anushka has issued a long statement condemning the dragging of her name in the matter and stated that during the World Cup she sat in the Family Box and not in the Selector’s Box and said that if Mr. Engineer means to comment on the qualifications of selectors he could do so without dragging her name into the matter. She said, “My name was used for false stories to make it look like the board was being bothered for my tickets or security etc when in reality I bought my own tickets for matches and flights and I still kept quiet. I was asked to stand in a group photo by the High Commissioner's wife despite my hesitation to be in it, and a huge issue was created over this blaming me for intentionally wanting to be part of it and the said event, even though i was invited for it. An official clarification was issued by the board on the same and I still kept quiet. And the latest version of these ill intended lies is that I was being served tea by selectors at matches during the World Cup! I came to one game during the World Cup and sat in the family box and not the selectors box as reported but when has the truth mattered when it's about convenience! If you want to have a comment on the selection committee and their qualifications please do so as it's your opinion but don't drag my name into it to substantiate your claim or sensationalise your opinion. I refuse to allow anyone from using my name in such conversations.”

In her statement she further stated, “Today, I have decided to speak up because someone's silence cannot be taken as their weakness. I am not and will not be a pawn to be used by anyone's thoughts or beliefs or agendas and next time you want to use my name to discredit someone or the board or even my husband, do it with facts and proof & leave me OUT of it. I have led my life, built my own career with utmost dignity and I am not going to compromise that for anything. Maybe, it's hard for some to believe that, because. I am a self-made, independent woman who only happens to be the wife of a cricketer.”

Ending her clarification on a light note she stated she’s a coffee person taking the onus further away from her that she was served tea by selectors.