Sharad Pawar, Board of Control for Cricket in India chief, being nudged by the Australians during the Champions Trophy prize distribution ceremony evoked sharp criticism from Sachin Tendulkar and other former cricketers who described the behaviour as "unpleasant".
Eager to hold the trophy and pose for the cameras with his teammates, Australian skipper Ricky Ponting was seen tapping Pawar on the shoulder as a gesture to leave the stage.
Tendulkar, who said he had only heard about the incident from others, termed it an unpleasant incident and an "uncalled for" behaviour by the world champions.
"I wasn't watching the proceedings because I was travelling, but from what I heard, it was an unpleasant incident and was uncalled for," the ace batsman said.
"Firstly, it should not have happened. It's important to show respect to the person who is so dear to the cricketers and is involved with cricket. So it's good that we avoid such incidents," he said in response to a specific query.
Kiran More, former India wicketkeeper and selector, said the Aussies owed an apology to the BCCI and Pawar.
"I think for what has happened, they should apologise for it... I think it is very important how you treat the dignatories. Pawar is the BCCI President and also a cabinet minister," More, who recently stepped down as chairman of selectors, told a news channel.
More, however, gave some leeway to the Aussies.
"It was the first time they won the Champions Trophy. They were happy and they wanted to celebrate. So it could have happened by mistake also," he said.
Former India cricketer and coach Anshuman Gaekwad said, "Aussies should not have behaved in such a manner."
The BCCI itself did not read too much into the incident, though.
Secretary Niranjan Shah described the incident as "unintentional".
"I also saw it yesterday but after watching the video footage today, I feel it was unintentional. Anyway you know how players are once on the cricket field. They seem to leave good sense behind," the BCCI Secretary said.
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