Fact Check: Did Ritika Sajdeh confront Harsha Bhogle over his alleged 'ban PR agencies' remark for Rohit Sharma?

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is examining its player standards in the aftermath of India's 3-1 loss to Australia in the World Test Championship (WTC) final. According to reports, the BCCI is considering implementing a performance-based variable pay structure, which might result in pay reduction for players who do not achieve expectations.

Furthermore, the BCCI is exploring the prospect of prohibiting players' families and wives from accompanying them on abroad tours. Additionally, players may be obliged to travel completely on the team bus rather than separately.

Prominent sports commentator Harsha Bhogle expressed his surprise at these suggested changes, adding that while the current occurrences are difficult to accept, he would consider preventing players from working with public relations firms if he were to adopt a new regulation.

Reading of the changes the BCCI is apparently suggesting for the Indian team. I don't know how much to believe but if I had to nominate one rule to be strictly applied, it would be to ban team members from having PR agencies

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) January 15, 2025

Ritika Sajdeh's post in reaction to Bhogle's comments triggered a lot of conversation on social media. The tweet criticised Bhogle for potentially singling out Rohit Sharma, despite the fact that Rohit's name was not specifically mentioned in Bhogle's statement.

"With due regards Harsha, This is misleading. You are implicitly calling out my husband. You can't disrespect the captain of ICT. Please, reconsider this @bhogleharsha," read the tweet.

With due regards Harsha, This is misleading. You are implicitly calling out my husband. You can't disrespect the captain of ICT. Please, reconsider this @bhogleharsha . https://t.co/xtWKnoNyTT

— Ritika Sajdeh (@imkaisar53) January 15, 2025

The response to Bhogle swiftly gathered traction online, but fans soon discovered that it was from a parody account rather than the genuine one.

Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma has not confirmed if he will play in Mumbai's upcoming Ranji Trophy matches. Following India's defeat against Australia, coach Gautam Gambhir voiced his wish that all senior players would play domestic cricket. While Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, and Yashasvi Jaiswal have confirmed their availability for their respective teams, Rohit is yet to do the same. The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) is scheduled to approach Rohit Sharma before January 20 to enquire about his current condition.

Also read| Rishabh Pant to lead Delhi on Ranji Trophy return; Virat Kohli's participation still uncertain