'Don't cry in public' - Fans hit out at Bishan Singh Bedi for his tweet on India women's team

Pulling off the ropes from the jaws of the defeat, performing their best at the highest level that too in front of big crowds may not be mainstream for other sides. But, Australian women are used to it and their performance speaks huge volumes about it, thanks to their domestic system which has lifted them to great heights.

The defending champions and hosts came into the Women’s T20 World Cup tournament as clear-cut favourites. Nonetheless, their journey was nowhere close to their usual best. They fell prey to India women in the first very game as they lost by a margin of 17 runs and since then, every game was a knockout for them.

They had recovered from 10-3 against Sri Lanka, beat Bangladesh and New Zealand and went about their business to beat South Africa in a rain-curtailed semifinal. On International Women’s Day, they switched to their actual game plan and comprehensively got the better of Indian women to lift their fifth T20 World Cup trophy at the MCG.

Fans slam Bishan Singh Bedi for his tweet

Heartbreaking scenes were recorded at the power-packed MCG Stadium after the belligerent hosts, Australia women got the better of India women by 85 runs, in what was a one-sided affair. India women looked visibly upset after the defeat as players like Shafali Verma and others shed tears during the presentation ceremony.

The pictures of Indian players breaking down spread like wildfire on social media. While scores of Indians expressed their sadness and condolences while congratulating India women for their hard work, former Indian cricketer Bishan Singh Bedi posted a cryptic tweet while congratulating the women.

Bishan Singh Bedi, who played the longest format for India from 1966 to 1979 tweeted a message of condolence adding that girls playing in the finals is a magnificent achievement in itself and there was no reason to be heartbroken after the loss. He further went on to add saying that girls should learn to control their emotions and avoid crying out in public since that is a personal affair.

“No need to feel despondent India..U did very well to reach the Finals..& U had plenty of sunshine in Australia..better luck & determination next time..a personal request..girls pl try & avoid showing tears n public..not after losing anyway..tears are a personal property fr ever!,” Bishan Singh Bedi tweeted.

No need to feel despondent India..U did very well to reach the Finals..& U had plenty of sunshine in Australia..better luck & determination next time..a personal request..girls pl try & avoid showing tears n public..not after losing anyway..tears are a personal property fr ever!

— Bishan Bedi (@BishanBedi) March 8, 2020

However, the fans defended Indian women while adding that it was okay to cry irrespective of gender. Here are the tweets below:

When you shed tears, it means you care. It doesn't matter where it happens. "Care" is all that is important.

— PK (@iPkoppula) March 9, 2020

Dnt have anyright in controling others feelings bhashan math dooo

— vishwanath naidu (@NaiduVishwanath) March 9, 2020

Huh. What's this bizarre statement coming from someone who's meant to be a reputed person. Why can't they cry or show tears. It's how they feel. And what's wrong in it? Be it a man or a woman, it shouldn't matter. It's their way to grieve.

— Nishil (@NishilBright) March 8, 2020

What's the issue with crying in public? It mattered a lot to them & to us.

— Piyush Kumar Sharma (@Piyusharma2512) March 8, 2020

with all due respect Bishan paaji, there's nothing wrong in showing tears in public

— Kanishkaa Balachandran (@kanishkaab) March 8, 2020

Women can cry, there is no shame in it. Our girls are still feminine.

— Jayendran Menon (@Dayamaitreya) March 8, 2020

It’s ok, tears means it matters

— renee montgomery (@rejum) March 8, 2020

Not just women, men can too. People have emotions. They're not robots.

— Nishil (@NishilBright) March 8, 2020

For the unversed, Bishan Singh Bedi was a slow left-arm orthodox bowler. The former spinner led the Indian national cricket team in 22 Test matches. In domestic cricket, the Delhi cricketer shot into prominence during the 1974–75 season of the Ranji Trophy, where he took a record 64 wickets.

Bedi also played for Northamptonshire in English county cricket. He ended up his career with as many as 1560 wickets in first-class cricket which is more than any other Indian bowler.