Sachin Tendulkar Faces Backlash Over Online Gaming Ad Association: Protests and Legal Threats Emerge

Legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar has found himself at the center of controversy and faced a barrage of criticism from fans following his recent association with an online gaming advertisement. The backlash has escalated to the point of a protest being organised by a political faction outside the cricketer’s residence in Bandra, Mumbai.

Sachin faces backlash over fantasy app

Tendulkar’s participation in the ‘Paytm First Games,’ an online gaming platform that offers the chance to play games and win real cash prizes, has sparked a wave of discontent among his admirers. Protesters have taken issue with the cricketer’s endorsement of the platform, raising concerns about the influence such campaigns might have on the younger generation.

The demonstration, reportedly led by members of the political faction Independent MLA Bachchu Kadu’s party, culminated in the protestors being taken to the Bandra Police Station. Kadu’s party members expressed their demand for Tendulkar to withdraw from the promotional campaign due to the Bharat Ratna awardee’s alleged obligation to adhere to a certain ‘code of conduct.’

Should Bharat Ratna awardees be allowed to indulge in these activities?

In an interview with Times Now, Kadu stated, “Those who have been awarded Bharat Ratna have to follow a code of conduct. We will send a notice to Sachin Tendulkar on the 30th of August 2023. We had given him time till the 30th. Till now, he has not clarified any of his positions in this regard. So, we are going to send him a notice through a lawyer.”

The controversy surrounding Tendulkar’s involvement in promoting online gaming has prompted Kadu to take further steps to address the issue. Kadu intends to place donation boxes at Ganapati Mandals, traditional venues of public devotion, to collect funds that will be subsequently handed over to Tendulkar. This act serves as a symbolic gesture to discourage Tendulkar’s participation in online gaming promotions.

Kadu’s social media video voiced his reservations about Tendulkar’s endorsement of fantasy game apps. “Sachin Tendulkar is Bharat Ratna. It is not right for a person who has numerous fans and Bharat Ratna to advertise a gambling app like Paytm First. I request the Maharashtra Government and Sachin Tendulkar to please ban this ad immediately,” Kadu passionately shared.

Tendulkar’s alignment with First Games as their brand ambassador was announced in 2020. The cricketing legend is yet to issue an official statement addressing the mounting criticism and the protests surrounding his association with the online gaming advertisement.

As fans await further developments, the controversy highlights the complex interplay between celebrity endorsements, social responsibility, and the impact of influencer campaigns on impressionable minds.

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