Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), once questioned an umpire's decision during a Virat Kohli innings that ended with the Indian batter scoring his 48th ODI century. Dipke also took aim at the International Cricket Council (ICC), describing it as a “toothless body” in front of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The remarks date back to October 19, 2023, when India played Bangladesh in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup. Kohli was approaching his century during India's chase when a delivery from Bangladesh spinner Nasum Ahmed was not called wide by umpire Richard Kettleborough.
Dipke took to X to criticise the decision, alleging that the umpire had allowed Kohli to move closer to his personal milestone. He also referred to former Sri Lanka captain Arjuna Ranatunga's criticism of the ICC and its relationship with the BCCI. The old posts have resurfaced as Dipke attracts attention over his political activities and protests in Delhi. His earlier statements are now being shared and discussed on social media.
What did Abhijeet Dipke say about Virat Kohli?
Dipke posted his first criticism on X during the India-Bangladesh match on October 19, 2023. “Umpire refused to give a clear wide so Kohli can complete his century. Arjuna Ranatunga wasn’t wrong when he said that the ICC is a toothless body in front of the BCCI. Can’t have different set of rules for one specific team,” he wrote.
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In a subsequent post, Dipke argued that umpires should apply the rules impartially rather than make allowances for a player's personal achievement. He maintained that the pursuit of a century should not influence an official's decision during a match. His comments focused on a crucial moment in India's run chase. Kohli was closing in on his hundred, and India were also nearing the target set by Bangladesh.
What happened in the India-Bangladesh World Cup match?
India were chasing 257 runs against Bangladesh in the league-stage match played in Pune. The Indian team had established control of the contest, with Kohli approaching another ODI century. The incident that prompted Dipke's reaction occurred in the 42nd over, bowled by Nasum Ahmed. A delivery down the leg side was not called wide by umpire Richard Kettleborough.
The decision drew attention because Kohli needed 19 more runs to reach his century, while India also required 19 runs to win. The two milestones were within reach at the same time. Kohli eventually completed his hundred with a six off Nasum Ahmed. He remained unbeaten on 103 as India defeated Bangladesh by seven wickets.
It was Kohli's 48th ODI century, bringing him closer to Sachin Tendulkar's record of 49 hundreds in the format. Kohli equalled the record during the 2023 World Cup semi-final against New Zealand and surpassed it in the final against South Africa.
Why are Abhijeet Dipke's old posts being discussed now?
Dipke has recently been in the news over his protests at Delhi's Jantar Mantar and his demand for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. His protest attempts have also drawn the attention of the Delhi Police. His associates, Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das, have also featured in reports concerning the CJP's activities.
Amid these developments, Dipke's earlier social media posts have resurfaced. Critics have been sharing his past comments, including his criticism of the umpiring decision during Kohli's century. The cricket controversy and Dipke's current political activities concern different issues. However, the old posts have added another dimension to the online discussion surrounding the CJP founder.