New Delhi: Even as Pakistan’s cricket team arrived in India after a gap of almost seven years amid cheers from fans and messages of welcome from their Indian counterparts, to participate in the 13th edition of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup starting from October 5, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Management Committee chairperson Zaka Ashraf has stirred another controversy.
In a video that is viral on social media, Zaka was heard talking about players going to “dushman mulk” (enemy country) for tournaments, while he was addressing the media about PCB’s new contracts for players. His remark was allegedly targeted at India.
In the viral video, Ashraf said, “We gave these contracts to our players with love and affection. Never in the history of Pakistan, such an amount of money has been given to players. My aim was to keep the players’ morale high as they go to countries, the enemy country (‘Dushman Mulk’) for competitions.”
One side, Pakistan cricket team received enthusiastic welcome in India.
Other side, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Zaka Ashraf termed India as “Dushman Mulk” (enemy country).
So, no matter what we do, Pakistan’s mentality & agenda is clear. pic.twitter.com/oUbz8MYsl5
— Anshul Saxena (@AskAnshul) September 28, 2023
These remarks made by Zaka Ashraf amid the warm reception received by Pakistan’s players in India at Hyderabad ahead of the tournament have drawn the ire of both Indian and Pakistan cricket fans, with many expressing their anger against Zaka’s statements on social media. Several Pakistani netizens criticised Zaka for his statement.
“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 political tout that’s why he was made chairman. #PAKvNZ #PakistanCricketTeam,” said Pakistan cricket fan Tehseenqasim in a post on X.
Another cricket fan in Pakistan described the statement from the PCB Chief as irresponsible
“Irresponsible statement from the head of PCB Zaka Ashraf. India is not ourt enemy.” posted Sultan Khan on X.
