CHENNAI: When India cricketer R Ashwin was asked about his thoughts on Chennai Super Kings (CSK) coming back into the Indian Premier League (IPL) after a two-year ban, he could have answered in a number of different ways. "I am extremely happy the team is back," would have been the safest of them all.
However, he chose to tread a stickier path. "I think the two-year hiatus for CSK probably increases its value much like what it did for Manchester United when the air crash happened (in 1958, when 23 people, including eight of Manchester United's players died)," he confidently told a newspaper. "I don't know if it's in the same league but surely people in Chennai and fans across the world are waiting for CSK to return. I hope it turns out to be a good comeback."
The off-spinner's comparison triggered a social media backlash. "What is wrong with you @ashwinravi99," a popular United-based handle tweeted. "CSK was suspended for involvement in betting and you are equating it to Munich air tragedy." As criticism flooded his notifications, Ashwin put out three tweets with the defence every sportsperson uses – misquoted.
"Guys, please take the reporting with a pinch of salt with respect to the Munich tragedy and CSK. All I said was the break will make the..." his first tweet said.
"Fans turn up in numbers when the comeback happens. Not required to blow it out of context," was his second.
And then, "Now all those who hate me, please get off my mentions, we will catch-up sometime later when I get misquoted again. Thanks."
But the damage was done. Among other things, it got the goat of Man U fans, some of whom even demanded his arrest.
The 30-year-old cricketer, who is in the Indian team to play a three-match Test series in Sri Lanka, wasn't even right with his facts. Manchester United did not take a break after the plane crash. They played the very next match with their youth team.