Pakistan Cricket Board: In a recent development, the Pakistan cricket team landed in Hyderabad, India, merely two days before the highly-anticipated World Cup, set to kick off on October 5th. Their journey commenced with a warm-up match in Hyderabad, followed by their inaugural official match in the same city.
The reception they received was nothing short of extravagant, leaving Babar Azam and his team overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and hospitality. The players couldn’t resist expressing their gratitude across various social media platforms.
However, amidst this wave of positivity, Zaka Ashraf, Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, triggered controversy with his outspoken views about India.
The curtain-raiser for Pakistan in this World Cup is a practice match against New Zealand, scheduled for Friday, September 29.
Subsequently, they are set to face Australia in another practice match on October 3, leading up to their official World Cup debut against the Netherlands on October 6.
Zaka Ashraf’s Daring Stand
As the cricketing world eagerly awaits the 2023 World Cup in India, Zaka Ashraf, the head of the Pakistan Cricket Board Management Committee, has labeled India as a formidable rival. A video clip of his audacious statement has gone viral on various social media platforms, causing quite a commotion.
Ashraf’s remarks have surfaced at a time when the Pakistani cricket contingent is in India to participate in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. In the video, Ashraf unequivocally refers to India as a rival nation while discussing the new player contracts.
Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Zaka Ashraf’s Contentious Declaration
In this widely circulated video, Ashraf boldly proclaims, “We have awarded contracts to our players out of sheer goodwill and affection. Never in the history of Pakistan’s cricket have players received such generous remuneration, a testament to my unwavering commitment to boost their spirits. Whether it’s on adversary’s turf or elsewhere, our players always have our unwavering support.”
The video concludes with Ashraf’s controversial statement, sparking passionate discussions among cricket enthusiasts in both India and Pakistan. Despite the warm reception extended to the Pakistani team in India, Ashraf’s comments have faced sharp criticism from Pakistani social media users.
One Pakistani fan took to social media, writing, “The PCB chairman should think twice before branding India as an adversarial nation.” Touch the link and see video,
https://x.com/iMac_too/status/1707594243395788841?s=20
Backlash from Cricket Devotees
While the Pakistan cricket team revels in the hospitality of their Indian hosts, PCB’s chief, Zaka Ashraf, has designated India as a rival. Ashraf’s statements, surfacing just before the tournament’s start, have ignited strong reactions among cricket enthusiasts in both India and Pakistan.
Many have taken to social media to voice their disapproval of Ashraf’s remarks, with even Pakistani fans expressing their dissent.
Pakistan Team for World Cup 2023:
Captain: Babar Azam
Squad: Shadab Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafiq, Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Salman Ali Aga, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi.