‘It’s disgusting and disappointing’ - Gautam Gambhir slams ex-cricketers for endorsing Pan Masala

Former India cricketer Gautam Gambhir has been regularly capturing headlines with his statements for quite a few years now. Recently, the 41-year-old came forward to take a dig at the cricketers who endorse pan masala via surrogate products in advertisements.

During the recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023, many former cricketers like Sunil Gavaskar, Chris Gayle, Virender Sehwag, and many more were involved in the ads for pan masala products.

Giving his opinion on the same, Gambhir came forward to lambast the ex-cricketers who endorsed such products. Gambir opined that such behaviour is disgusting and disappointing, and even suggested the fans should choose their role models carefully.

"I never thought in my life a cricketer would do a pan masala ad. It’s disgusting and disappointing. That is why I say, choose your role models carefully. What example are you setting?" Gautam Gambhir told News18.

There are so many other ways to make money: Gambhir

Furthermore, Gambhir also stated that since millions of kids watch these players and consider them role models, the cricketers endorsing such brands should be wary of their actions. He also opined that there are several other ways to make money other than endorsing harmful products. 

"One gets recognised not by their name, but by the work they do. Crores of kids are watching you. Money is not so important that you will end up doing a pan masala ad. There are so many other ways to make money. You should have the courage to let go of a big pay cheque rather than do such things," Gambhir said. 

Furthermore, the 41-year-old also revealed that after stepping down from Delhi Capitals’ captaincy in 2018, he got an offer to endorse a pan masala advertisement. However, he revealed that he chose to distance himself from the same due to the principles he follows.  

"I could have taken the money, but I left it because I always believe that I should get what I deserve. Sachin Tendulkar was offered Rs 20-30 crores to act in pan masala ads as well. But he said no to these pan masala ads. He had promised his father that he would never engage in such stuff, which is why he is a role model," Gambhir concluded.