Malhotra apologises for 'second-class citizens' remark about Assam team

Former India cricketer Ashok Malhotra 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 T20 pre-quarterfinals in Mohali on Tuesday.

Malhotra, who also coached Bengal after his playing days, said on commentary on Wednesday: "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 quarter-finals.

After the game, a video of Parag gesturing towards the commentary box has gone viral on social media. Parag had smashed an unbeaten 31-ball 50.

With his gesture, Parag is understood to be conveying that the Assam team is superior to their Bengal counterparts.

Assam were powered by an all-round show by Parag, who had earlier returned with figures of 2/23 with the ball. Akash Sengupta's 3/29 also played a part in restricting Bengal to a modest 138/8 in their 20 overs.

Invited to bat, a few Bengal batters got starts but failed to convert them into big knocks.

Assam completed the chase in 17.5 overs for the loss of two wickets.