Coldplay's lead singer, Chris Martin, paused his Mumbai concert to joke about a 'letter from Jasprit Bumrah's lawyers'. The UK-based band performed their final Mumbai show on January 21.
"I'm so sorry, but I have to read a letter from Jasprit Bumrah's lawyer. I have to do this because, otherwise, we could be sent to prison and wouldn't be able to perform in Ahmedabad," Martin said after pausing his concert.
Taking the microphone, Chris read aloud: "Dear Coldplay, during your first and second shows, you mentioned Jasprit Bumrah without permission. This is illegal-you cannot mention Jasprit. Who do you think you are, you foolish Englishman? The letter also states that Mr. Jasprit Bumrah is the greatest bowler in the whole wide world, and you are just a silly singer."
Earlier, the Indian pace spearhead was left overwhelmed to receive a shoutout from Chris Martin during the concert in Mumbai last Saturday (January 18).
While performing, Martin had given a special mention to Bumrah, joking that the show needed to be halted due to the Indian pacer's presence.
"Hold on, we have to finish the show because Jasprit Bumrah wants to come and play backstage," Martin had said. "He says he needs to bowl at me now."
Martin then chanted Bumrah's name and said: "We'll ask him to wait 15 minutes."
"This made me smile! Incredible vibe at the @coldplay concert in Mumbai (from what I've seen here) and even more special to be mentioned," Bumrah had posted on Instagram.
Jasprit Bumrah has been included in India’s squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, slated to be held in Pakistan and UAE from February 19 to March 9. However, his participation in the marquee event will depend on the fitness clearance.
The right-arm quick was dealing with injury leading up to the squad announcement. He picked up a back spasm during the fifth BGT Test against Australia in Sydney earlier this month.
The same squad will face England in three ODIs in early February, with Harshit Rana added as a backup for Bumrah, who might not be fully fit for the first two matches of the series.
During the squad announcement presser last week, BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar had said he was hopeful that Bumrah would be fit for India's first group stage match against Bangladesh on February 20 in Dubai.
"Bumrah has been told to off-load for five weeks after, and he won't be available for the first two ODIs against England. We are waiting on his fitness and will know his status in early February from the medical team," Agarkar had told reporters.
