Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board’s Management Committee, Zaka Ashraf, has taken a U-turn on his statement, in which he made an indirect reference to India as an “enemy country” on Wednesday evening as the Pakistan cricket team arrived in Hyderabad, India, to participate in the ICC World Cup 2023.
He said that the hike in match fees of Pakistan players will ensure their morale is high while they are playing in “Dushman Mulk (Enemy Country)” or wherever this tournament is being played in a not-so-veiled reference to India which is hosting the ICC World Cup 2023.”
“Players hain inka morale upar rehna chahiye jab ye kisi dushman mulk ya kisi bhi jagah khelne jaayen jahan wo competition ho raha ho, to they should go with the full support of the nation aur unko ek achche tarike se perform kar saken. (You should keep in mind that when the players go to an enemy country or where the competition is being held, you should support them so that they can perform well),” he can be seen saying in a viral video.
PCB Chairman declares India "Dushman Mulk", says Pak cricketers have been paid unprecedented money to play in enemy country.
What are Indians doing? Inzi bhai, Shahid Bhai, Shoaib bhai, pls give interview. We are one, same food, lingo, culture, cricket..pic.twitter.com/PPnysbWrtN
— Pakistan Untold (@pakistan_untold) September 28, 2023
Ashraf’s comment left a bitter impression and upset Indian fans, leading to an outpouring of outrage among them.
Zaka Ashraf Hopes For Resumption Of Bilateral Cricketing Ties Between India And Pakistan In Clarification Statement
In an effort to repair the situation, PCB Management Committee Head Zaka Ashraf stated that the incredible greeting given to the Pakistan men’s cricket team during their World Cup trip to India shows how much the citizens of the two nations care about one another’s athletes. The reception held at the airport in Hyderabad was proof of this devotion.
He also praised the Indians for setting up such a reception for the Pakistani team. Pakistan visited India for cricket for the first time since 2016 during this trip. Additionally, Ashraf noted that when India and Pakistan enter the cricket pitch, they do it as historic rivals rather than as foes.
A warm and friendly welcome has always been shown to the Pakistan men’s cricket team whenever it has traveled to India, he added, just as it has to Indian teams when they have visited Pakistan. This is due to the fact that cricket has always served as a unifying force between India and Pakistan, and players from both countries have continued to be well-liked and popular among fans in both countries.
Additionally, Ashraf noted that cricket between Pakistan and India has garnered attention on a global scale. This is the reason that cricket matches between the two countries are valued more highly than other competitions.
He also wishes for the restoration of India-Pakistan cricketing links so that the millions of fans in both nations can witness these stars perform live. He ended by wishing that the Indian cricket team would visit Pakistan soon so that Pakistan could return the kindness and affection that India had offered the Pakistan cricket team.
