Ex-cricketers criticised for ableist video mocking disabled people

Former Indian cricketers Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, and Suresh Raina are facing backlash from disability rights groups for a video they recently featured in and shared on Instagram. 

In the video, the trio is seen trying to recreate actor Vicky Kaushal's viral dance step from the song ‘Tauba Tauba’ but with an ableist twist - they are walking with a limp instead of performing the step. 

The video was posted after the India Champions defeated the Pakistan Champions by five wickets in the World Championship of Legends final on July 13. 

In the video, the three cricketers are seen limping and holding their backs, apparently to depict the physical toll the matches took on their bodies. 

The caption read: “Body ki Tauba Tauba ho Gayi in 15 days legends cricket.. Every part of the body is sore. Straight competition to our brothers @vickykaushal09 @karanaujla our version of Tauba Tauba dance. What a SONG.”

While it is reasonable that the former cricketers’ bodies were sore from the matches, starring in and putting up a video such as this one is derogatory, ableist, and downright offensive.

The ex-cricketers’ actions show a lack of sensitivity and awareness about the experiences of people with disabilities, and perpetuate harmful stereotypes. 

As public figures and role models, they have a responsibility to be mindful of the impact their actions can have on their fans and society at large.

Disability rights activists were quick to criticise the video as insensitive and derogatory. The National Platform for the Rights of the Disabled (NPRD) called it “totally disgraceful.”

“No words are sufficient enough to condemn such behaviour especially when displayed by people considered national heroes. Such degrading actions only expose their total insensitivity and boorishness,” the NPRD said in a post on X.

Aditi Gangrade, CCO of Much Much Spectrum, a Mumbai-based inclusive media company, said in a reel on their Instagram: “Dear Cricketers, you are the champions the masses look up to. You should be advocating for people with disabilities instead of mocking us.”

Arman Ali, executive director of the non-profit National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP), urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to take note of the video.

“Disgusting to see India’s top cricketers mocking disability. Shameful and atrocious behaviour from those who are idolised by masses. Shame on them. I urge BCCI to take immediate note of this,” Ali stated. 

Disability rights activist Dr Satendra Singh emphasised the responsibility of these cricketers as role models and highlighted the need for empathy, especially from Yuvraj Singh, who has battled cancer.

“So many people are following them and they will follow these actions, so there needs to be sensitivity. They have no remorse and are making fun of people with disabilities,” Singh told PTI.

A police complaint has been filed against Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, Suresh Raina, and Gurkeerat Mann, accusing them of mocking people with disabilities. 

A police officer confirmed that the complaint was received and will be forwarded to the cyber cell for further investigation.

Amidst the outrage, Harbhajan Singh issued an apology through his official X account, acknowledging the insensitivity. Sadly, the apology nowhere acknowledges the ableism perpetuated by the cricketers.

This issue is not just a moral concern but also a legal imperative. 

It infringes upon Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees every individual’s right to live with dignity. 

It also violates Section 92 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. Not to mention it goes against the guidelines established by the Supreme Court just last week for disability portrayals in visual media.

“(Creative freedom)... cannot include the freedom to lampoon, stereotype, misrepresent or disparage those already marginalised,” the Supreme Court noted. 

For those who are wondering what's wrong with the video or why people might be taking offence to this, the video mocks the physical struggles and movements that many people with disabilities experience daily. 

It perpetuates harmful stereotypes and diminishes the lived experiences of individuals with disabilities. 

And it’s doubly harmful when influential public figures engage in such mockery because it normalises disrespect and insensitivity towards people with disabilities, and encourages the public to engage in such behaviour.

This incident shows that there’s a critical need for sensitivity and respect towards individuals with disabilities, particularly from public figures and role models. 

It also underscores the necessity for social media platforms to enforce guidelines that prevent the dissemination of derogatory content.