Punjab leaders, including Harbhajan, back Arshdeep

CHANDIGARH: Several Punjab leaders, including Rajya Sabha MP Harbhajan Singh, on Monday came out in support of fast bowler Arshdeep Singh, who was brutally trolled on social media for dropping an important catch in the India-Pakistan Asia Cup ‘Super Four’ match in Dubai on Sunday.

Sports Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer spoke to Arshdeep’s mother Baljit Kaur over the phone and told her that Punjab and the whole country were with him.

“Victory or defeat is given in game. @arshdeepsinghh is upcoming star who carved out niche in short span. Performed excellent against Pakistan. Regressive psyche to troll him on drop of just a catch. Arshdeep is future of Nation. Inspiration for youth. Hate has no place in sports,” Hayer said in a tweet.

Pakistan won the close match by five wickets after Arshdeep could not hold onto a relatively easy catch of Asif Ali in the 18th over. Former India international and AAP MP Harbhajan slammed those saying “cheap things” about Arshdeep.

“Stop criticising young @arshdeepsinghh,” Harbhajan tweeted. “No one drops the catch purposely..we are proud of our boys .. Pakistan played better.. shame on such people who r putting our own guys down by saying cheap things on this platform bout arsh and team.. Arsh is GOLD,” added Harbhajan.

Stop criticising young @arshdeepsinghh No one drop the catch purposely..we are proud of our 🇮🇳 boys .. Pakistan played better.. shame on such people who r putting our own guys down by saying cheap things on this platform bout arsh and team.. Arsh is GOLD🇮🇳

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) September 4, 2022