The Pakistan cricket team received a warm and enthusiastic welcome from Indian fans as they arrived in Hyderabad for the highly anticipated ODI World Cup 2023. Star players like Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Rizwan expressed their gratitude for the reception they received upon their arrival in India, setting a positive tone for the upcoming tournament.
Shocking remark by PCB Chief Zaka Ashraf
In a startling turn of events, Zaka Ashraf, the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), stirred controversy by referring to India as a ‘Dushman Mulk’ (enemy country) during a press conference in Pakistan. Ashraf, who assumed office earlier this year, was discussing the new contracts offered to Pakistani players when he made the divisive remark.
During the press conference, the 71-year-old announced a substantial increase in match fees and remuneration for Pakistani players. He claimed that these changes were made to boost the morale of the players while they compete in what he termed ‘enemy countries’ or wherever the tournament takes place.
Also READ: ODI World Cup 2023 – Here are complete squads of all 10 teams
“Players hain inka morale upar rehna chahiye jab ye kisi dushman mulk ya kisi bhi jagah khelne jaayen jahan vo competition ho raha ho, to they should go with the full support of the nation aur unko ek acche tarike se perform kar sake (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),” Ashraf said in a video which has gone viral on X (formerly Twitter).
Netizens slam Ashraf for his senseless comment
Ashraf’s controversial statement quickly spread across social media platforms, sparking outrage and condemnation from netizens in both India and Pakistan. Many individuals took to social media to express their disapproval of Ashraf’s choice of words and the negative connotation associated with calling India an ‘enemy country.’
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Here’s how netizens reacted:
Look at India’s reception of Pakistani players and consider the remark made by the chairman of the PCB, Zaka Ashraf, who referred to India as ‘Dushman Mulk’. It raises the question as to why certain individuals harbor so much hatred. #NamakHaram
pic.twitter.com/2SVwVTWwEz— Wazhma Ayoubi 🇦🇫 (@WazhmaAyoubi) September 28, 2023
If this video is authentic, which ‘Dushman Mulk’ is the PCB chief referring to? Not what was expected from him when efforts are being made to provide Pakistan team with the best hospitality and reception in India. https://t.co/xahNgA3tI3
— Rahul Rawat (@rawatrahul9) September 28, 2023
No ball Mr Chairman. Your players were given a warm reception by the Indians and you are barking up the wrong tree. It seems he himself is a ‘dushman’ of his own Pakistani players #ZakaAshraf https://t.co/eMuNoHOitI
— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) September 28, 2023
Somebody please check what is he smoking these days ?! 🤦🏻♂️ sheer non sense statement.#ZakaAshraf #CricketTwitter
— FC (@fad08) September 28, 2023
That comment by PCB chief was just cheap
— Priyashmita (@priyashmita) September 28, 2023
I want to clear up one thing on Zaka Ashraf’s Recent Statement that my dear Indian brothers don’t take Zaka’s Uncle so seriously; no one likes him anyway. We Disown him for this Statement, Peace 🙏♥️.#WorldCup2023 #ZakaAshraf
— Shaharyar Ejaz 🏏 (@SharyOfficial) September 28, 2023
Shame on PCB chairman on calling India “Dushman mulk*despite a warm welcome from them, zaka ashraf is the real dhusman of our team. Dear Indian don’t take him serious, he just a politcal tout that’s why he was made chairman. #PAKvNZ #PakistanCricketTeampic.twitter.com/6SwGujAoG1
— Tehseen Qasim (@Tehseenqasim) September 29, 2023
@BCCI 🇮🇳 Take a Look on Latest interview of Pak 🇵🇰 Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Zaka Ashraf termed India as ‘Dushman Mulk’ (enemy country).
But from here 🇮🇳, Pakistan team gets Warm welcome And service Respect from Airport to Hotel!?#WorldCup2023 #Hyderabad #PakistanCricketTeam pic.twitter.com/a4Fq8GmhuI— रुद्रा शर्मा 🇮🇳 (@sonofshivayah) September 28, 2023
While India is extending a warm welcome to Pakistani players & staff, the Chairperson of the Pakistan Cricket Board — Zaka Ashraf, makes horrendous comments regarding India — calls it a “Dushman mulk” (enemy state)#WorldCup2023 #ZakaAshrafpic.twitter.com/6UREBoZ3P1
— Avinash Chandra Kishan (@AvinashCKishan) September 29, 2023
Irresponsible statement from the head of PCB Zaka Ashraf
India is not out enemy.#India #WorldCup2023 #ZakaAshraf pic.twitter.com/4kLspex7rA
— Sultan Khan (@MainHoonSultan7) September 28, 2023
Babar, after hearing Zaka Ashraf statement pic.twitter.com/jhTsKzACOZ
— The Einsteins 🇵🇰 (@theeinsteinss) September 28, 2023
One side, Pakistan cricket team received enthusiastic welcome in India
& Dusri taraf PCB Chairman Zaka Ashraf termed India as “Dushman Mulk”
Idiot pagal bagal hai kya
Your thoughts? pic.twitter.com/wg7b4AtF1X— Dipjyoti Das🇮🇳 (@JyotiDa17119112) September 29, 2023
Shame on Zaka Ashraf on his pathetic statement “DUSHMAN MULK” for India despite warmth welcome for Pakistan cricket team. #WeApologize pic.twitter.com/i3msm2fVrj
— Saeed Cricky🏏 (@SaeedCricky) September 28, 2023
Indians shouldn’t take Zaka Ashraf seriously. The majority of the Pakistanis don’t even like him. We disown the clown.
— Areeba (@arieba_chaudry) September 28, 2023
Actually, the PCB paid our players and they deserved all of it. Players hain toh PCB hay and it’s not vice versa! Sab se pehle players stakeholders hain ❤️
And sir! Hyderabad ne jitni hospitality di humaray players ko, please dushman mulk na kahen 🤦🏽♂️🤦🏽♂️pic.twitter.com/BsSJbccEZF— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) September 28, 2023
#DushmanMulk Baffling statement by PCB chief.
— Keshav Kumar (@keshavkd) September 28, 2023
#ODI #World #Cup #Netizens #slam #PCB #chief #Zaka #Ashraf #referring #India #Dushman #Mulk
