Sachin Tendulkar breaks silence on NEET stir, says 'cheating is not okay'

Sachin Tendulkar has broken his silence on the ongoing controversy surrounding the Common Joint Process (CJP) stir and the NEET paper leak, becoming the most prominent sporting figure to address the issue. In a statement released on Thursday, the cricket icon said that while failure is part of life, cheating cannot be tolerated.

“Failure is okay, cheating is not,” Tendulkar said, adding that the disappointment among students is understandable. His remarks come as thousands of students across India continue to protest, demanding a thorough investigation into the alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG examination.

Tendulkar backs students, calls for fairness

Tendulkar’s statement, issued through his social media handles, struck a chord with many. He acknowledged the hard work put in by students and said their anger is justified. “Students have worked very hard. Their disappointment is understandable,” he wrote.

The former cricketer did not directly name any political party or government agency, but his words were seen as a clear endorsement of the students’ demand for transparency. “Cheating is not okay. We must ensure fairness in every exam,” he added.

Yuvraj and Kaif reunite for students

Two other heroes from India’s 2002 NatWest Trophy win — Yuvraj Singh and Mohammad Kaif — also came together to speak up for the protesting students. In a joint video message, the duo urged authorities to stop using force against young demonstrators.

“Stop beating kids with lathis,” Yuvraj said, referencing reports of police action at protest sites. Kaif added that the students are the future of the country and deserve to be heard, not silenced. The reunion of the two cricketers, who had famously chased down a daunting target against England at Lord's, carried symbolic weight.

“This is July again, and we are together for a different cause,” Kaif said, drawing a parallel to their historic partnership 24 years ago.

Shubman Gill urges compassion

Young batting sensation Shubman Gill also waded into the debate, calling for empathy towards the students. In a post on X, Gill said, “Our generation deserves every opportunity to learn and grow. We should support them, not suppress them.”

Gill’s remarks were widely shared, with many appreciating his willingness to speak on a sensitive issue. The 26-year-old is among the few current cricketers to have taken a public stand on the matter.

The sporting icons’ statements have amplified the voices of students who have been protesting in several cities. The NEET paper leak, which allegedly compromised the integrity of the medical entrance exam, has sparked a political firestorm, with opposition parties demanding a Joint Parliamentary Committee probe.

Authorities have formed a special investigation team to look into the leak, but no conclusive findings have been announced yet. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is also probing the matter.

As the protests continue, the backing from figures like Tendulkar, Yuvraj, Kaif, and Gill has given the movement a new dimension. Whether this will lead to concrete action from the government remains to be seen. What is clear is that the silence of India's biggest sporting stars has been broken — and their words have added weight to a demand for accountability.