Fleming apologises for liquor photo shoot

From Wisden Cricinfo, 7 October 2003

Stephen Fleming has clarified that his photo shoot for a liquor firm in Rajkot was part of a contract, and that he had no intention of causing offence to the people of Gujarat, a state where liquor is prohibited. The incident sparked off controversy, with politicians claiming Fleming's action to be an "insult" to the memory of Mahatma Gandhi.

"I wasn't aware of the impact it would have on the culture and I apologise if it's offended anyone," he said. "It was just a photo shoot in plain clothes near a dam." Lindsay Crocker, the New Zealand team manager, echoed those sentiments: "There was no offence intended or implied against state regulations or any historical figure."

Earlier, the Congress Party and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had both criticised Fleming. "This is a dry state, the birthplace of Gandhiji who is the father of the nation," said a spokesman for the Congress Party. "Fleming should not have done the advertisement here." Raju Dhruv, an official of the ruling BJP, was equally critical. "Cricket is hugely popular in our country and any visiting team should keep in mind Indian sentiments while playing here."