© Provided by India Today Indian cricketer R Ashwin loses cool when asked about Tamil Nadu online gambling ban

Indian cricketer and star bowler Ravichandran Ashwin lost his cool during a promotional event for cricket apps in Chennai when he was questioned about online rummy and the state’s ban on online gambling.

“Do you want the truth or a headline,” asked Ashwin, responding to the question. 

When asked about the connection between online gambling and cricket, Ashwin responded by asking who invented mobile phones and argued that online activities are the reason why children do not go out to play cricket. 

READ | Tamil Nadu govt gives assent to Bill banning online gambling

He suggested that if people took away mobile phones, children would go outside to play more often. Ashwin also stated that he would support any campaign to encourage children to play cricket.

After the event, Ashwin added that creating a controversy during a good initiative is not appreciated. 

“It is impertinent to the place and the position. I’m here to address something but you are trying to drive in a controversy. It’s not fair,” he said. 

Two days ago, Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi approved the Bill to ban online gambling, including online rummy and poker in the state.