“Focus solely on cricket”: Riyan Parag to IPL commentators

Riyan Parag, captain of the Rajasthan Royals, has called on commentators covering the Indian Premier League to focus strictly on on-field performance rather than making personal remarks about players. He stressed that criticism should be limited to cricketing actions and not extend to players’ character or personal lives.
His comments come at a time when players are under close scrutiny ahead of the new IPL season, following a viral dressing-room video that triggered widespread discussion about player behaviour off the field. Parag reminded fans and pundits alike that cricketers are human and, like anyone else, are bound to make mistakes.
He further urged broadcasters and online commentators to be more responsible in their coverage during major tournaments such as the IPL, where large audiences amplify every opinion and judgment. According to him, the focus should remain on the game itself rather than personal criticism of individuals.
Overall, Parag’s message reflects a broader concern about how constant public commentary can affect athletes. While constructive analysis of performance is fair, he emphasized that personal attacks cross a line that should not be crossed in sports discourse.