Former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir has made a critical remark about renowned cricket stars who promote pan masala items indirectly through substitute products in their commercials.
In the recently concluded Indian Premier League, iconic former cricketers such as Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Virender Sehwag, and Chris Gayle were observed endorsing a well-known pan masala company’s “silver-coated elaichi,” which is a type of mouth-freshener.
Gautam Gambhir on pan masala ads
“I never thought in my life a cricketer would do a pan masala ad. It’s disgusting and disappointing. That is why I say, choose your role models carefully. What example are you setting?” World Cup winner Gambhir said to News18.
It is important to highlight that neither in the question posed to Gambhir nor in his response were any cricketers specifically mentioned by name.
“One gets recognised not by their name, but by the work they do. Crores of kids are watching you. Money is not that important that you will end of doing a pan masala ad. There are so many other ways to make money. You should have the courage to let go of a big pay cheque rather than do such things,” he added.
Gambhir further mentioned that back in 2018, when he had relinquished his captaincy of the Delhi Capitals, he was offered a sum of Rs 3 crore to feature in a pan masala advertisement. However, he had decided to decline the offer based on his principles.
“I could have taken the money, but I left it because I always believe that I should get what I deserve. Sachin Tendulkar was offered Rs 20-30 crores to act in pan masala ads as well. But he said no to these pan masala ads. He had promised his father that he would never engage in such stuff, which is why he is a role model,” he further added.
