I don't care how its perceived, we've seen Ricky Ponting, others do same to us: Ollie Robinson
He was responding to questions about him abusing Usman Khawaja on-field
English cricketer Ollie Robinson has defended his controversial send-off towards Australian batsman Usman Khawaja during the Ashes series, stating that he "doesn't care" how Australia perceives his actions and that he aims to provide the "theatre of the game."
Robinson dismissed Khawaja for 141 runs on the third morning at Edgbaston, uprooting his off stump as Khawaja attempted to play a shot through the off side. In his celebration, Robinson shouted towards Khawaja and appeared to use offensive language.
Speaking about the incident, Robinson expressed his excitement in claiming such a significant wicket, especially in his first home Ashes series. He acknowledged Khawaja's impressive innings and emphasized the importance of the wicket for the team. Robinson stated, "We all want that theatre of the game, don't we? So I'm here to provide it."
When questioned about whether abusing an opponent could be considered part of the game's theatre, Robinson referred to the passion of the Ashes and mentioned instances where Australian players have behaved similarly towards English teams in the past. He admitted that such actions are not justified, but suggested they happen in the heat of the moment.
"But I think when you're in the heat of the moment and you have the passion of the Ashes, that can happen. We've all seen Ricky Ponting, other Aussies do the same to us. Just because the shoe is on the other foot, it's not received well," he said.
Furthermore, when asked about the potential reception of his celebration by the Australian dressing room, Robinson expressed indifference, stating, "I don't really care how it's perceived, to be honest. It's the Ashes. It's professional sport. If you can't handle that, what can you handle?"
Robinson is expected to face disciplinary action from the International Cricket Council (ICC) for breaching the Code of Conduct. He is likely to receive a fine and a demerit point for his actions, as per ICC regulations that prohibit players from using language or gestures that disparage or provoke an aggressive reaction from a dismissed batsman.
Despite the controversy surrounding his behavior, Robinson remains unapologetic and stands by his intention to contribute to the excitement and intensity of the Ashes series.
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No stubble burning now, why air pollution crisis in Delhi: Mann takes dig at BJP
Chandigarh (PTI): Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday slammed the BJP saying its leaders used to "defame" Punjab farmers over stubble burning and blame them for Delhi's poor air quality and questioned why is there pollution crisis in national capital despite no farm fires now.
Mann said that as soon as paddy harvest takes place, BJP leaders blame Punjab and its farmers for Delhi's poor air quality.
He said they used to claim that stubble burning by Punjab farmers causes Delhi's pollution.
Mann said at present, the Air Quality Index in major Punjab cities is between 70 and 130.
"At present, Delhi's AQI is between 450 and 500 and no smoke is coming from Punjab. But the situation in Delhi is worse. At least now they should agree that there is no role of Punjab for Delhi's poor air quality," Mann said in a video message.
Mann's remarks came on a day Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa apologised for the air pollution crisis in the national capital and acknowledged its impact on children's health.
Sirsa, however, asserted that it was the result of the policies pursued by the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Delhi.
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Last month, the BJP had trashed the Punjab CM's previous claim that stubble burning in the state has no role in the high levels of air pollution in Delhi as "ridiculous".
Dismissing Mann's claim, Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva had last month said it is certain that stubble burning is a "major" factor (for the air pollution in Delhi).
Meanwhile, Mann in his video message said, due to severe floods which Punjab witnessed this year, paddy harvesting got delayed, "despite this, many Delhi ministers had already started blaming Punjab".
"I want to praise Punjab farmers, NGOs and efforts of the Punjab government have also paid off in controlling stubble burning this time. The cases of stubble burning in Punjab have reduced by 70-80 per cent and this has been acknowledged by the Central Government and the Union Agriculture Minister," Mann said.
The CM further said that after paddy harvest even the wheat crop has been sown and now, there is no incident of stubble burning.
He said BJP leaders used to claim that Punjab's smoke from stubble travels to Delhi.
"Now, there is no stubble burning, but Delhi is facing very poor air quality. This proves that earlier too Punjab's smoke had no role for Delhi's poor air quality. Only accusations were made by the BJP to defame Punjab. At least now the Centre should praise the farmers of Punjab," he said.
"Meanwhile, Delhi's AQI is between 450 and 500, flights are being cancelled, and breathing has become difficult," said Mann.
He asked both the BJP government in Delhi and the BJP led Centre to address Delhi's air pollution, saying citizens cannot even venture out for a walk due to air pollution.
He also asked the BJP that Punjab should not be dragged into this political battle, instead, Punjab's farmers should be appreciated, and the Delhi and Central governments should focus on addressing Delhi's air pollution.
Mann further said that farmers of Punjab are 'anndatas' (food providers) and they meet the country's food needs, they should not be defamed.
